Artwork Search
Arts in Southeast Asia Database
ArchitectureStep pyramidal base: Koh Ker
This temple is consider to be the most majestic stepped pyramidal temple in Khmer art as the pyramidal base is of seven steps. The top of the base, there was a tower, now lost. The stepped pyramidal temple in Koh Ker period ism in some aspects, similar to Prasat Paksi Chamkrong at Angkor.
ArchitectureElongate Salle with triangular Pediment: Koh Ker
The elongate hall at Koh Ker is made of stone topped by the already-lost timber-and-tiled roof. The front triangular pediment is the imitation of the wooden structure whereas the end of the gable is decorated with the scrollwork inspired from the trunk of Makara. This kind of pediment has been popular not only in Koh Ker period but also in Banteay Srei and Baphoun periods. Banteay Srei and Preah Vihear temples are the prime example for this kind of pediment. Interestingly, the holes visible at the edge of the gable were meant for supporting the already-lost wooden beams of the roof structure.
ArchitecturePrasat Pre Rup
Similar to other Early Angkorian temples, Pre Rup is the brick temple on the top of the stepped-pyramidal platforms. However, the further development is noticeable from the multiplicity of the main temple from one to five in number. Below the platform are the long halls which are the precursor of the elongate connected gallery in the later period. These halls were presumably functioned as the lodges or the treasuries for the temple. In the front exists the rectangular platform, possible to be the base for the statue of Nandi which already lost.
ArchitectureElongate Salle: Prasat Pre Rup
At Prasat PreR up, the elongate pavilions surrounding the main complex were firstly introduced. These pavilions are possible to be the storages or the rest houses. Interestingly, these pavilions are not yet the connected ones. This anticipates the connected elongate gallery which would be firstly initiated at Prasat Takeo.
ArchitectureBases: Prasat East Mebon
Prasat East Mebon locates in the middle of the East Reservoir, or the East Baray. The laterite stepped bases at this temple are, therefore, the barks of the artificial island in the middle of the lake. However, the lake is nowadays dried up. The laterite is strong enough to support the temple but it is not suitable to be carved. At every corner of the complex there are sculptures of elephants.
