Mhaykhā Jhyā – Peacock Window:
We take a look at this beautiful window in Bhaktapur, Nepal
We take a look at this beautiful window in Bhaktapur, Nepal
The peacock window, also referred to as the ‘Mona Lisa of Nepal’ adorns the Pujari Math in Bhaktapur,
Nepal and dates back to the 15th century The Pujari Math building is home to the Woodcarving Museum and also to a number of other exquisitly carved windows and doors. The Pujari Math is just off of Dattatraya Square, a tourist hotspot.
The peacock window is an excellent example of wood fretwork that can be seen all over the Kathmandu Valley. It consists several small bird carvings with a large intricately decorated peacock in the centre, it’s tail feathers forming a lattice window.
The window is known as a ‘Newar window’, an elaborately carved wood window, which is the distinguishing feature of traditional Nepalese architecture and is described as a symbol of Newar culture and artistry. They are found on palaces, private residences and sacred houses across Nepal Mandala.
The Peacock Window is still in use today along the Pujari Math building.
Types of windows
• Sanjhyā is a projecting bay window and the classic Newar window.
• Tikijhyā is a lattice window and the most common window in traditional architecture.
• Gājhyā is a projecting window located under a roof.
• Pāsukhā Jhyā is a small window with five units symboliSing the Pancha Buddha (Five Buddhas).
