Angkor Wat Temple Rubbing
This raised relief rubbing from Angkor Wat depicts an apsara, a celestial spirit of the sky and clouds. They are an abundant subject of art at the Angkor site, and most commonly depicted dancing (as seen here). Apsaras are a common figure in Hindu and Buddhist cultures of South and Southeast Asia. According to our museum notes, the original glass that framed this piece was damaged by gunfire. The museum replaced the glass in 2017.
- Object: Angkor Wat Temple Rubbing
- Artist: unknown
- Circa: Rubbing taken in 1960
- Dimensions: 16inWx23inH
- Culture Area: Asia / Cambodia
- Cultural Group: Khmer & Buddhist / Hindu
- Cultural Context: From the UNESCO website: "Angkor is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia. Stretching over some 400 km2, including forested area, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century. They include the famous Temple of Angkor Wat and, at Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations. UNESCO has set up a wide-ranging programme to safeguard this symbolic site and its surroundings."
- Donor: Sharon Koch
- Catalog #: 114.404