Transcript Cambodian Art (Khmer Art)

Cambodian Art (Khmer Art)
Bayon temple
Fisher, pp. 186-195
Term Paper
• Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento (visit Asian Art Gallery
by yourself)
• Asian Art Museum of San Francisco (class meets on
Saturday March 5th at 1 p.m.), February 19-May 8, 2005
• The Witt Gallery, The tradition Continues: Thai Art from
the Past into the Present, April 19- April 28, 2005
• Paper: 4-5 page-long; focus on one or couple of objects;
DEADLINE Wednesday April 27, 2005
Angkor Thom (Bayon temple)
• Built during the reign of King Javayarman VII (13th century), Bayon
period 1181-1243 (remained the capital city until the 17th century)
• The king had many temples built: Banteay Kdei (for his teacher) in
1181, Ta Phrom (for his mother)in 1186and Pre Khan (for his father) in
1191 and Banteay Chmar (for his sons); founded 102 hospitals
throughout the kingdom
• Mahayana Buddhism was the state religion; focus on the Buddha
sheltered by naga hoods, Lokesvara, and Prajanaparamita
• The Doctrine of Self Professed by Jayavarmans VII is as much Hindu
as it is Buddhist
• His priority was to build a capital that would resemble the capital of
Indra
The Bayon temple
• Temple facing East and West direction
• It is built in Greek cross plan; the main shrine is circular in shape and
has 12 subsidiary chapels radiating out from it.
• There were 49 towers (only 37 are standing); each has four colossal
heads, dominate the four quarters of the world
• The main temple is surrounded by rectangular roofed galleries which
are punctuated by towers at the corners and at the center of each side;
at ground level, outer closure,, is surrounded by a a gallery with corner
pavilions and gopuras
• Between 2nd and 3rd enclosure are 16 large chapels where Buddhist
deities were housed.
The Bayon temple
• At the S gate is a bridge that represents the churning of the
Sea of Milk; Naga represents rainbow and bridge of
heaven; crossing from the world of man to the world of
gods
Walls
• Outer walls depicted: historical scenes of
war with Chams, and every day life in the
kingdom
Lokesvara and Prajnaparamita
• The Central shrine of the Bayon temple sat enthroned the Buddha
sheltered by naga hoods--the most popular type of Buddha image
during his period
• Lokesvara (Lord of the World), a form of Bodhisattva, symbolizes
power of the king (infinite compassion); holds a lotus, a water pot
(contains nectar of immortal), a book and a rosary
• Prajnaparamita, Transcendent Buddha of Wisdom (complete wisdom);
holds a book and a lotus flower
• Buddhist triad: Buddha sheltered by naga hoods, Loskesvara and
Prajnaparamita-most popular during the reign of Jayavarman VII
• Bhaisajyaguru, the Buddha of healing
Loskesvara
• “O Victorious Lokesvara, living incarnation
of the Tree of Paradise” ( Inscription from
Preah Khan)
• Cosmic Lokesvara has connection with Siva
• He is the protector and the savior of
suffering humanity