Khmer materials and making
Understand krama, silk, clay, carving, lacquer and metalwork before choosing a visit or a purchase.
The Khmer krama: weave, everyday use and maker stories
A checked scarf can look simple while carrying a great deal of work. Read a krama through its threads, uses and the people who made it.
Khmer silk: understand hol, phamuong and pidan
A Cambodian silk display may contain several different kinds of textile. Knowing what the names describe makes an encounter with a weaver much richer.
Cambodian pottery: everyday clay and Angkor ceramics
A cooking pot from Kampong Chhnang and a glazed Angkorian jar belong in the same broad ceramic story, but they should not be treated as interchangeable.
Khmer sculpture: looking at stone and wood carving
The face is only the beginning. Materials, pose, surfaces and intended setting help explain a sculpture, whether it is in a museum or a living artist's workshop.
Cambodian lacquer: surfaces, layers and contemporary art
A glossy finish can hide a long sequence of decisions. Learn what to ask about lacquer, painted panels and the work beneath the surface.
Khmer silver and metalwork: material, relief and design
A silver-coloured surface tells only part of an object's story. Learn to distinguish material claims from the skill used to shape and decorate it.
Tell us about your Battambang visit
Share your plans. Hosts, activities and availability must be confirmed before you commit.