A MYANMAR writer plans to publish a book showcasing the floral astrological designs that can be seen in many ancient temples and pagodas in Myanmar.

Author Daw Tin Ma Ma Khaing said the book would include 522 pictures of “arabesque” designs (za ta kanoupan), a style of ornamentation consisting of a pattern in which plants and foliage are intertwined with figures of people and animals, as well as with other designs.

The book – which will be published in the English, Myanmar and French languages – is the result of more than 35 years of research into arabesque designs from the Pyu, Bagan, Pinya, Inwa , Konbaung and Yadanabon eras, she said.

“These horoscope floral arabesques are part of Myanmar’s cultural heritage,” she said. “They show scenes from the life of the Buddha, horoscopes of kings and queens of Myanmar and celestial maps depicting the zodiac.”

Daw Tin Ma Ma Khaing has won a National Literary Award and Sarpay Beikman Literary Award for a book on astrology.