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Arts in Southeast Asia Database
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.
SculptureApsara
Apsara is characterized by the square face decorated with diadem and the big earrings. The headgear is beautified by the triple flowers. The left hand holds flower bouquet. The strip of triangular cloth hangs from the right hand while another triangular strip of cloth emerges from the left and reaches the feet-level. The belt is characterized as the wide band decorated by the row of tassels. These are the typical characters of Apsara dress during Angkor Wat period.
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.
SculptureWall pole and Door columns
The door columns are of octagonal shape and were inherited from the early Angkor Wat period. There are small triangular leaves put together in the shape of serration. So, there are more than one leaf per side of a column. The wall pole is fully decorated with coiling and flower patterns. Also, there is storytelling scence on the pole such as the picture of Shiva.
SculptureHead of Naga
Naga is generally found in Khmer art. It is usually used as a component of a balustrade or walkway. The Naga has 5 heads. All of the heads wear cap and share the same halo, which is the characteristic of Angkor Wat art.
SculptureRoyal Palace Base: Garuda Sculpture
The Garuda has a bird head and is in a standing position on top of the Naga head. The arms also hold the Naga. Such portrayal of Garuda is the characteristic of Garuda in Bayon art.
SculptureRoyal Palace Base: The Underworld
Under the base is a set of sandstone sculpture including gods, Apsara, demons, Nagas and the Pluro. It is divided into layers and in the middle of the baseline, there is always a multi-headed Naga. The female schulpture would wear the cap. On top of this, there is a crown decorated with three rows of flowers. The earrings are large tufts. The face is of Bayon style having the closed eyes and a gentle smile.
