Exam Definitions Part 3: Khmer Art

Question 1

What were some important concepts of Khmer art?

Answer 1

1. Divine Kingship
2. The cult of the Devajara (god-king)
3. Chakravartin (universal ruler)
4. Ruler is precieved as the incarnation of a diety and has divine right to rule.
5. Royal cities and temple complexes focus on the temple-mountain as the home/embodiment of the devajara and his universal power

Question 2

Who were some Significant Khmer rulers? Name four

Answer 2

1. Jaya-Varman II: establishes Khmer kingdom in 802, introduces the concept of devajara (god-king) and the temple mountain (god-king’s home) in Southeast Asia
2. Indra-Varman: ruled 877-889. Founded the city of Angkor as the capital of the empire
3. Surya-Varman II: ruled 1113-1150, built Angkor Wat
4. Jaya-Varman VII: ruled 1181-1213, expanded empire; built the royal city of Angkor Thom and the Bayon

Question 3

When was the Khmer Empire destroyed?

Who destroyed it?

Answer 3

• The Khmer empire was destroyed in 15th century by the invading Mon (Thai) people

Question 4

What were the three Cambodian art periods?

Answer 4

1. Early Khmer (Pre-Angkor): 6th-9th century
2. First Angkor: Late 9th through beginning of 11th century
   
   • Includes two sculptural styles: Koh Ker and Baphuon
3. Second Angkor (“classic” Angkor style), early 11th century through the beginning of the 13th century

Question 5

What were some of the characteristics of the Khmer sculptural style?

Answer 5

1. Frontal, rigid, symmetrical, architectonic (constructed using clearly defined elements); cylindrical volumes express prana (influence of Indian art) but increasingly geometricize the figure so it becomes immobile and pattered - giving it a sense of power and grandeur
2. Drapery becomes patterened, a decorative component of the figure. Details are often incised to provide textural patterns and contrasts.
3. Unlike Indian art, Khmer figures are sculpted in the round, but are not as mobile and sensuous; their sensual qualities are typically expressed in the rounded volumes of their forms and in facial features such as the mouths with the “Angkor Smile”

Question 6

What architectural work is the Second Angkor Style associated with?

Answer 6

1. Angkor Wat
2. Angkor Thom

Question 7

What is the Amrita?

Answer 7

The Amrita is the Ambrosia of Immortality that the gods and demons are trying to obtain in The Churning Sea of Milk

Question 8

What Bodhisattva was Jaya-Varman VII associated with?

Answer 8

Jayavarman VII was associated with the Bodhisattva known as Loke-Shvara, who was a form of the Bodhisattva of compassion and mercy AvaloKiteShvara

Question 9

What is the cosmic naga (serpent) associated with?

Answer 9

The c_osmic naga_ is associated with water and the origin of life, especially in the creation myth of the Churning Sea of Milk

Question 10

What naga serpent is often seen protecting the Buddha after he achieves enlightenment

Answer 10

The naga serpent MuchaLinda

Question 11

What do AvaloKiteShvara and PrajnaParaMita symbolize?

Answer 11

1. AvaloKiteShvara symbolizes mercy and compassion
2. PrajnaParaMita symbolizes perfect wisdom