Angkorian art starts under the reign of Jayavarman
II (early 9th century) and ends under the reign of Jayavarman VII
(first half of the 13th century).
This era is marked by the assertion of a truly Khmer
art form, which manifests itself through a personalized style that rejects all
foreign influences.
Thus, the Brahmanic and Mahayana Buddhism
characters, which are shown from the front and in a hieratic attitude, display
an indigenous personality through their typically Khmer smile, softness and
featyres.
We already emphasized that works of art reflect the
artist’ thinking, but that they are also portrait-statues that express an
ideal, beauty and serenity.
All these achievements reveal the richness of the
diadems’ ornaments, the jewels and the exquisite embroideries of the sampot,
which are no doubt Khmer. They also present the art of inlaying precious stones
for the necklaces, earrings and the eyes of the statues to make them seem
alive.
