The Shwenandaw is a wonderfully fragile yet grand example of 19th century Burmese teak architecture and also a significant masterpiece of the wood-carver's art. It is a large multi-tiered building with four separate 'zei-ta-wun' roof levels. Newly recarved or restored 'a-saw', flame-like decorations define the roof lines, which also contain profuse 'sein-taung' ("mountains of relief work") embellishment and 'daung' corner roof ornaments as well as numerous avian creatures. Rich carvings on the bargeboards and balustrades/parapets and wooden entries further hint at the glory of the former royal palace. Surrounding the building at the main entry level is an imposing teak platform with elaborate carvings and marble finials on the parapets. There are rich ornamental carvings, wonderful serpentine dragons, lively figures at dance, mythical animals, flowers and vines on carved teak panels both on the outside and the inside. Many of the exterior panels are crumbling because of the ravages of time, with some being replaced by later and inferior reproductions that lack the depth of the originals. The structure was once gilded and covered with glass mosaics. Unfortunately, I was unable to enter the main hall golden interior to see the massive teak pillars, the imposing ceiling, the replica of the Lion Throne the rich carvings away from the outside elements and the carving of the nats, spirit beings, worshiping the Buddha image.