22/09/2025
Found a piece of Nan's magic right here in Chiang Mai!
This is our take on "Pu Man Ya Man," or "The Whisper of Love," the legendary mural from Wat Phumin in Nan province. The original painting is over a century old.bThis painting was created by Nan Bua Phan, a local Tai Lue artist, between 1867 and 1874. What makes this piece so unique and memorable is its depiction of a man and a woman whispering intimately to each other, symbolizing a deep and gentle love in the Lanna style.
In the painting, Pu Man and Ya Man are dressed in traditional Tai Lue attire. The name "Pu Man Ya Man" is what the locals call the figures; "Man" refers to the word "Burmese," while "Pu" and "Ya" are terms for a man and woman who are husband and wife.
The significance of this mural goes beyond its artistic beauty. It also carries a deep cultural and spiritual meaning, often described by a famous poem that says:
"Kam Hak Nong Ku P*e Jak Aow Wai Nai Nam Kor Klua Nao Jak Aow Wai Peun Akat Klang Hao Kor Klua Mok Meui Son Dao Long Ma Khalum Jak Aow Pai Sai Nai Wang Khuang Khum Kor Klua Jao Pa Sai Laeo Lu Aow Pai Kor Leoi Aow Wai Nai Ok Nai Jai Tua Chai P*e Nee Jak Hu Man Hai Ahi Ahee Yam P*e Non Sadung Teun Wewa..."
This beautiful poem translates to:
"My love for you, I'm afraid to leave it in the water, as it may feel cold. I'm afraid to leave it in the sky, as the mist may come to cover it. If I leave it in the palace, the prince might find it and take it away. So, I will keep it in my own chest and in my heart. Let it cry out for you when I wake up startled from my sleep..."
It was a beautiful experience to bring this piece of Thai culture to life on a door here at Ingmon House. It's a reminder that art and love can be found everywhere.