APSARA BAS-RELiEF
CONTEMPORARY BAPHUON STYLE APSARAS
(only FOUR in Cambodia)
Apsaras are beautiful, supernatural female beings. They are youthful and elegant, and superb in the art of dancing. These ethereal beings have been immortalized in stone, breathing life force through India and throughout areas of South and Southeast Asia.
These celestial beings, often referred to as nymphs, protect the King of Gods by seducing mortals who might be threatened by their beauty. Possessed with eyes like lotus leaves, they cast elusive glances. and move entrancingly.
They possess very slim waistlines with considerably large hips. These lively spirits are meant to entrap mortals with their beauty; their dances demonstrate a slow-paced movement with mesmerizing motions, effortlessly hypnotizing audiences. The essential choreography is represented in over 1,500 hand gestures with each finger movement unique and unequivocal. Through this erotic revolution, sacred stories are revealed, attributing hundreds of spiritual legends.
Beautifully portrayed, this Apsara trio poses with absolute grace. Although a very rare and delicate Khmer piece, true seductive entrapment is held solely in the eyes of the beholder.
(Side note: A bas-relief is a type of carving or sculpture in which the figures are raised a few inches from a flat background to give a three-dimensional effect)
The bas reliefs of Angkorian temples have become an inspiration for the “Apsara Dance”. Evidence of this delicate dance style can be seen etched into the walls of ancient Cambodian temples. Furthermore, this cultural dance lives on in Cambodia with talented dancers who perform in shows across the country today.
*Examples include notable locations such as the 5th–6th-century frescoes at Ajanta in India, and Sigiriya in Sri Lanka. Sculpted art forms and bas-reliefs decorate temples in Angkor, Cambodia today.
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Perpetuating stillness within the chaos, Buddha sanctifies the true essence of meditation. At the very root of humanity’s evolving existence
Ganesh (also spelled Ganesa or Ganesha) is the Lord of Good Fortune who provides prosperity, fortune and success. He is the Lord of Beginnings and the Remover of Obstacles
First, notice the center, that very middle point. Observe Brahma’s grace in demanding direct attention to his hands, despite the distraction of other two heads.
Known for their richness, this Khmer sculpture effortlessly portrays Vishnu with ease and contentment.
THE TRiMURTi
First, notice the center, that very middle point. Observe Brahma’s grace in demanding direct attention to his hands, despite the distraction of other two heads. In absolute stillness, he holds the Anjali mudra. This common hand gesture held in the attitude of prayer promotes respect for oneself and others.
FOUR-ARMED MEDiTATiNG ViSHNU.
Known for their richness, this Khmer sculpture effortlessly portrays Vishnu with ease and contentment. His energy is held with confidence inside this abundantly porous sandstone. There is a beautiful array of symbolism here, all delicately placed.
FOUR-ARMED STANDING VISHNU
Vishnu is the Protector. He was alone in the beginning. From his navel grew a lotus, which brought forth Brahma, the Creator. Vishnu is part of the Trimurti, the Divine Trinity. Maintaining the cosmic order of the universe, (or dharma), Vishnu is characteristically portrayed standing upright and balanced.
MEDiTATiNG NAGA BUDDHA.
Perpetuating stillness within the chaos, Buddha sanctifies the true essence of meditation. At the very root of humanity’s evolving existence there’s been a solid addictive quality wired within each of us, the addiction to distraction. Deeper still, this dominating distraction is a self-sabotaging depletion.
MEDiTATiNG ViSHNU
Previously mentioned, Vishnu is part of the Trimurti, the Divine Trinity. Vishnu’s posture offers a pristine adeptness, this art piece provides us with an opportunity to trust and discover TRUTH. Here the Khmer artist demonstrates the Bhumisparsha mudra with focused attention on Vishnu's intention to attain enlightenment.
GANESHA
Ganesh (also spelled Ganesa or Ganesha) is the Lord of Good Fortune who provides prosperity, fortune and success. He is the Lord of Beginnings and the Remover of Obstacles, both physically and spiritually. Ganesha embodies spiritual symbolism with such gorgeous intricacy.
4-HEADED STANDiNG BRAHMA
God of Creation, four-headed Brahma stands resolute and firm. His four heads represent the four Vedas, the most ancient religious text carried in the Khmer culture. His multiple faces point in four directions: North, South, East and West. He also has four hands which symbolize human nature/personality: mind(back right), intellect (back left), ego (front right), and self-confidence (front left).
APSARA BAS-RELiEF
Apsaras are beautiful, supernatural female beings. They are youthful and elegant, and superb in the art of dancing. These ethereal beings have been immortalized in stone, breathing life force through India and throughout areas of South and Southeast Asia.
