{"id":3752,"date":"2024-06-28T02:34:36","date_gmt":"2024-06-28T02:34:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/battrang.museum\/journal\/the-journey-of-the-dragon-stool-through-india\/"},"modified":"2025-06-10T14:50:21","modified_gmt":"2025-06-10T07:50:21","slug":"the-journey-of-the-dragon-stool-through-india","status":"publish","type":"journal","link":"https:\/\/battrang.museum\/en\/journal\/the-journey-of-the-dragon-stool-through-india\/","title":{"rendered":"The Journey of the Dragon Stool through India"},"content":{"rendered":"
[vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” css=”.vc_custom_1719680698350{background-image: url(http:\/\/battrang.museum\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/batch_00000942-ed-2.jpg?id=3663) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”20rem” el_class=”hide-mobile”][vc_empty_space height=”48rem”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”3rem”][vc_empty_space height=”3rem” el_class=”hide-mobile”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2\/3″ offset=”vc_col-sm-offset-2″][vc_column_text]\r\n

The Journey of the Dragon Stool through India<\/h3>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”1rem” el_class=”hide-mobile”][vc_empty_space height=”3rem”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″ offset=”vc_col-md-5 vc_col-sm-offset-2″][vc_column_text]\r\n

From the famed Taj Mahal of Agra to the ancient monasteries and villages at the foot of Ladakh’s seemingly desolate mountains, far and wide the Dragon Stool had traveled, its path spanned the land of India.<\/span><\/p>\r\nThe stool is part of “R\u1ed3ng Ph\u1ed1\u201d (Dragon of the Urbanites), a series of artworks created through a collaboration between B\u00e1t Tr\u00e0ng Museum Atelier<\/a> and Designer Di\u1ec7u Anh<\/a>. This collection includes five pieces of B\u00e1t Tr\u00e0ng ceramics, each combining the regal imagery of the dragon with the deeply resonant familiarity of everyday Vietnamese street objects, namely monoblocs, stools, bricks, tubes, and tires; forming a distinctive collection that harmonizes Vietnam\u2019s ancient traditions with the nation\u2019s contemporary culture.<\/span>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\r\n

Words: V\u0169 Chi Lam<\/strong>\r\nPhotos: V\u0169 B\u00e1ch L\u00e2m\r\n<\/strong>English Translation: T\u1ed1ng M\u1ea1nh<\/strong><\/h5>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″ offset=”vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-2 vc_col-sm-offset-1 vc_col-xs-offset-4 vc_col-xs-4″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm”][vc_empty_space height=”2rem”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_single_image image=”3668″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”6rem”][vc_empty_space height=”6rem” el_class=”hide-mobile”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle”][vc_column width=”2\/3″ offset=”vc_col-md-offset-2 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-sm-offset-2″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner offset=”vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][vc_empty_space height=”10rem”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text el_class=”no-indent”]\r\n

\u201cR\u1ed3ng Ph\u1ed1” combined the regal imagery of the dragon with the deeply resonant familiarity of everyday Vietnamese street objects, namely the monoblocs, stools, bricks, tubes, and tires.<\/span><\/h3>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″ offset=”vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-6 vc_col-sm-offset-2 vc_col-xs-offset-1 vc_col-xs-10″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md”][vc_empty_space height=”4rem”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2\/3″ offset=”vc_col-md-6 vc_col-xs-8″][vc_empty_space height=”4rem”][vc_empty_space height=”4rem” el_class=”hide-mobile”][vc_single_image image=”3693″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″ offset=”vc_col-md-2 vc_col-sm-offset-1 vc_col-xs-offset-1 vc_col-xs-3″][vc_single_image image=”3715″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”14rem” el_class=”hide-mobile”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2\/3″ offset=”vc_col-sm-offset-2″][vc_empty_space height=”4rem”][vc_column_text]The Taj Mahal<\/strong>\r\n

The Taj Mahal, the immense mausoleum of white marble built as a loving tribute under the order of emperor Shah Jahan to his dearest wife, is the crown jewel of India and one of the Seven Wonders of the World as recognized by UNESCO in 1983.<\/span><\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”4rem”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ offset=”vc_col-xs-6″][vc_single_image image=”3727″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ offset=”vc_col-xs-6″][vc_single_image image=”3664″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”14rem” el_class=”hide-mobile”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”8rem” el_class=”hide-mobile”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_section el_class=”.grid-collection”][vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle”][vc_column width=”2\/3″ offset=”vc_col-md-4 vc_col-sm-offset-2″][vc_column_text]Julley Julley<\/strong>\r\n\r\nIs a magical word that anyone in Ladakh could use to either greet, express gratitude, or even bid farewells to subordinates and strangers alike. Additionally, it is also a sound of comfort throughout one\u2019s journey exploring this land of towering mountains and vast wilderness.<\/span>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″ offset=”vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-sm-offset-2 vc_col-xs-offset-1 vc_col-xs-10″][vc_single_image image=”3747″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”8rem” el_class=”hide-mobile”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2\/3″ offset=”vc_col-sm-offset-2″][vc_empty_space height=”4rem”][vc_column_text]\r\n

The breathtaking view of nature<\/strong><\/p>\r\nThe mountain stretches here resemble long brushstrokes of color, layered in shades of brownish grey, with some peaks coated in white pigments, like a crinkle cookie sprinkled with sugar. Encircling the land, these peaks are almost always within sights and offer the most awe-inspiring of views, which is also exactly what makes the surreal seclusiveness and serenity that follow one’s every footstep on their journey throughout Ladakh.<\/span>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”4rem”][vc_column_text]\r\n

Surreal seclusiveness and serenity follows one’s every footstep on their journey throughout Ladakh.<\/span><\/h3>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”2rem” el_class=”hide-mobile”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”8rem” el_class=”hide-mobile”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”bottom”][vc_column width=”5\/12″ offset=”vc_col-sm-offset-1″][vc_single_image image=”3679″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”5\/12″][vc_single_image image=”3699″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”bottom”][vc_column width=”5\/12″ offset=”vc_col-sm-offset-1″][vc_single_image image=”3691″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”5\/12″][vc_single_image image=”3674″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”2rem”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle”][vc_column width=”2\/3″ offset=”vc_col-md-4 vc_col-sm-offset-2″][vc_column_text]\r\n

The ancient monasteries<\/strong><\/p>\r\nLadakh has always been famous for its hundreds of monasteries. These ancient milestones from a bygone age are proof of the Ladakhis\u2019 phenomenal architectural feats as well as their incredible mental fortitude. There are 16 ancient monasteries of note, and although they are positioned in various locations and were built separately from one another, all are within the confines of the bewitching wilderness of the Himalayas.<\/span>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″ offset=”vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-sm-offset-2 vc_col-xs-offset-1 vc_col-xs-10″][vc_single_image image=”3720″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2\/3″ offset=”vc_col-sm-offset-2″][vc_empty_space height=”4rem”][vc_column_text]\r\nThiksey Monastery<\/strong>\r\n

The monastery is located at an altitude of 3600 meters and it takes its name after the village below, meaning \u201ca perfect order\u201d. Indeed, a perfect order it is between nature, men, their architectural marvels and the pervasive cultures of Buddhism.<\/span><\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”4rem”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ offset=”vc_col-xs-6″][vc_single_image image=”3705″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ offset=”vc_col-xs-6″][vc_single_image image=”3672″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”2rem”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2\/3″ offset=”vc_col-sm-offset-2″][vc_column_text]\r\n

Before the morning prayers, the Zangs dung\u2019s (a horn instrument) must be played by two monks on the highest floor of the monastery. The sound of this instrument would then help the young monks focus during their praying session at the main prayer hall. Were any tourists from afar to participate in this ritual, they would find this to be a worthwhile and precious experience during their travel to Ladakh.<\/span><\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”4rem”][vc_single_image image=”3701″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2\/3″ offset=”vc_col-sm-offset-2″][vc_empty_space height=”4rem”][vc_column_text]\r\nThe Dragon Stool was placed here, before the Buddhist mural of the prayer hall. From this point of view, through the window frame, life at the ancient monastery atop the high hill seems slow to pass, almost unchanged through the hundreds of years: below are the little houses alongside the dozens of smooth white stupas, afar are the desert and the great mountain ranges of the Himalaya.\u00a0 Any moment spent here overlooking this scenery is sure to be one of bewilderment.<\/span>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”4rem”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ offset=”vc_col-xs-6″][vc_single_image image=”3670″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ offset=”vc_col-xs-6″][vc_single_image image=”3654″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ offset=”vc_col-xs-6″][vc_single_image image=”3685″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ offset=”vc_col-xs-6″][vc_single_image image=”3618″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2\/3″ offset=”vc_col-sm-offset-2″][vc_empty_space height=”4rem”][vc_column_text]\r\n

The traditional Ladakhi ceramic<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

At the edge of Likir, 60 kilometers to the West of Leh is the birthplace of the father son duo Rigzen Namgail, the last ceramists of the Ladakhi. The story of their craft starts in the era of king Gyalpo Namgyal, when every village of Ladakh was assigned a specific responsibility, with the people of Likir specifically entrusted with the production of pottery. This profession was then passed down from generations to generations, with only the family of Rigzen Namgail still preserving this tradition, sourcing their material from a peak pass the mountain valley at 4000 meters high.<\/span><\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”4rem”][vc_single_image image=”3743″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space height=”1.5rem”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ offset=”vc_col-xs-6″][vc_single_image image=”3739″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ offset=”vc_col-xs-6″][vc_single_image image=”3737″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ offset=”vc_col-xs-6″][vc_single_image image=”3745″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ offset=”vc_col-xs-6″][vc_single_image image=”3735″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2\/3″ offset=”vc_col-sm-offset-2″][vc_empty_space height=”4rem”][vc_column_text]Chang La pass<\/strong>\r\n

The Dragon Stool at Chang La, the majestic permafrost mountain pass near the border of China, which is under the guard of the Indian military.<\/span><\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”4rem”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ offset=”vc_col-xs-6″][vc_single_image image=”3614″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ offset=”vc_col-xs-6″][vc_single_image image=”3683″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ offset=”vc_col-xs-6″][vc_single_image image=”3681″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ offset=”vc_col-xs-6″][vc_single_image image=”3695″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”2rem”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle”][vc_column width=”2\/3″ offset=”vc_col-md-4 vc_col-sm-offset-2″][vc_column_text]\r\n

The Dragon Stool\u2019s journey exploring this small portion of India is one that simply cannot be described with words. This was an experience of glorious, spectacular architectural marvels, profound local cultures and, most of all, spiritual peacefulness, especially with Ladakh – the secluded land of wilderness, and the edge of the world.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

April 2024\r\nThis trip could not have been without the support of <\/span>Fittour<\/a><\/strong> and our fortunate meeting with <\/span>Lama Tsering.<\/strong><\/h5>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″ offset=”vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-sm-offset-2 vc_col-xs-offset-1 vc_col-xs-10″][vc_single_image image=”3650″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”2rem”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2\/3″ offset=”vc_col-sm-offset-2″][vc_separator][vc_empty_space height=”4rem” el_class=”hide-mobile”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”6rem”][vc_empty_space height=”6rem” el_class=”hide-mobile”][vc_single_image image=”3603″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space height=”6rem”][vc_empty_space height=”6rem”][vc_single_image image=”3729″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space height=”6rem” el_class=”hide-mobile”][vc_empty_space height=”6rem”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
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Four Women Designers in Dialogue with Ceramic Heritage<\/h4>\n \n\t
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