National Museum, outside and inner courtyard
The first halls are filled with ceramics, statues, and furniture.
Initial displays
Outside in the courtyard are larger statues and other works of art.
In the courtyard
Deeper in the museum are large stone sculptures and discussions of Khmer art: "The artists of ancient Cambodia made sculptures characterized by universal beauty: harmony of composition, naturalism, and precision of execution. Although sculptural style changed over time, Khmer sculpture continuously observed a delicate balance between simplicity and attention to detail, humility and grandeur, subtlety and expressiveness."
The sculptures on display date from the late 6th and early 7th centuries and represent divinities of Brahmanism and Buddhism, such as Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, and the Buddha.
Khmer sculpture
Gold jewelry for statues
Gold jewelry for royalty
Metal casting began in Cambodia between 1500 BC and 1000 BC. Sculptures and jewelry from that era are made of bronze, gilded bronze, and iron.
Cast metal
Garuda bids us adieu
The National Museum is small, but well laid out, attractive, and instructive. I enjoy my brief spin through the facility.
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