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ArchitectureTower with Faces: Prasat Bayon
Bayon, the temple constructed by Jayavarman VII, is the last stepped-pyramid temple in Angkorian tradition. This temple was dedicated to the supreme Buddha in Mahayana Buddhism. The human faces decorating the towers in every direction are iconograplically interesting. Some scholars presume that the face is identifiable as the face of the king himself, while other assumptions connect the faces with either Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara or Brahma Sanatkumar. The face is characterized by the typical smiling called “Bayon smile”.
ArchitecturePrasat Banteay Kdei
Dated toi Bayon period, Prasat Banteay Kdei was erected by King Jayavarman Vii . The temple comprises a number of towers connected by the cruciform galleries, typical to this period. The plan of the temple is conceived as a diagram, reminiscent of Mandala diagram in Mahayana Buddhism.
ArchitectureBaray in front of Prasat Banteay Kdei
The stepped pier in front of the complex of Banteay Kdei was constructed during the reign of Jayavarman VII in order to be themain pier of the complex. This pier is in cruciform plan which has been popular from the period of Angkor Wat up to that of Bayon. The balustrade is decorated with Garuda holding Naga which is the character oif Bayon style.
SculpturePediment carved of Ramayana, the Mokkasak
The pediment is in triangular shape with an arch. The arch curves in and out beautifully. The frame of the arch is decorated with multi-headed Naga following the pediment in the late Angkor period. In the middle, there is a stoprytelling scene from Ramayana: Mokkasak.
SculptureLintel carved of Vishnu Anantasayana
Lintels in Angkor Wat inherited the pattern from Bapuan art. The garland in the middle of the lintel curves down and the garland is divided into small parts. However, the difference is that there is a storytelling scene in the lintel.
SculptureWall Carvings: Mahabharata - Bhishma death scene.
The western side of the lower gallery of Angkow Wat depicts the story from Mahabharata. The style of Angkor Wat art can be studied from the drapery of the figure in the narrative. The pointed crown with the diadem, the necklace with the row of pointed tassels, the short Sompot with the triangular piece of drapery at the side are the characters of Angkor Wat dressing.
SculptureWall Carvings: Suryavarman II
The southern gallery bears the narrative of King Suryavarman II. The portrait of the king sits in Maharajalilasana posture in the centre as the most prominent figure. At the background are the regalia. The typical dress of Angkor Wat period is noticeable from the figure, including the point crown, diadem, necklace with the row of tassels, breast chain in X format, short lower garment and the triangular strip of garment at the side.
SculptureLintel carved of Kurma
This sculpture is a part of the lintel of the scene when Vishnu disguised into a turtle to bear the mountain in stirring the milk sea. There are gods and demons on two sides standing in rows with thier hands touching the Naga. Above this is a row of swan and gods sitting with one knee up and put their hands together. In the middle, there is a mountain that the turtle bears. At the column, there is a Vishanu sculpture embracing the mountain. At the top, there is Bhraman. People in the carvings wear funnel-shaped-top crown caps, necklects with tufts, bracelets, short cloth and the end of the cloth has two fish tails on top of each other. Such characteristics are the features of Angkor Wat art.
