Secrets of Cambodian Craftsmanship: Techniques and Traditions Part 2

"Dive into the heart of traditional Cambodian craftsmanship: kramas, weaving, sculpture, ceramics, silverwork, and more, revealing skill and history."

BLOG CAMBODIA

8/26/202513 min read

Secrets of Cambodian Craftsmanship: Techniques and Traditions – Part 2

In this second part, we will discover the most emblematic and refined aspects of Cambodian craftsmanship:

Khmer sculpture, a thousand-year-old heir of religious and monumental art;
The art of lacquering, magnifying objects and furniture with symbolic colors and ancestral techniques;
Cambodian silversmithing, a prestigious tradition creating jewelry and ritual objects carrying spirituality and history;
Traditional kites, poetic figures that connect the sky and the earth in the rhythm of festivals and seasons;
Finally, the Kbach, the Khmer art of decorative motifs, which adorns and unites all these expressions through its unique aesthetic language.

This journey into the heart of craftsmanship, between memory and creation, reveals the depth and diversity of Khmer cultural identity.

At the bottom of the page, you will also find links to points of sale to extend the experience and support these traditional skills.

Second Part:

Khmer Sculpture
The Art of Lacquering
Cambodian Silversmithing
Traditional Kites
The Kbach (Art of Decorative Motifs)

1.Khmer Sculpture

Khmer sculpture holds a central place in the artistic and cultural history of Cambodia. Present since the pre-Angkorian periods, it reached its peak during the Angkorian era, between the 9th and 13th centuries, when it adorned the temples of Angkor with spectacular bas-reliefs and monumental statues. Today, it remains a living art, both in major heritage centers and in villages, where artisans continue to perpetuate ancient skills.

An Ancient Art

Early Origins

Since pre-Angkorian times, Khmer sculpture has taken on a religious dimension. The earliest works were dedicated to Hindu deities (Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma), then, with the rise of Buddhism, to representations of the Buddha in different postures.

The Golden Age of Angkor

At the temples of Angkor, sculpture became a true artistic language:

The bas-reliefs narrate mythological tales, such as the epic Churning of the Ocean of Milk or grand battle scenes.
Monumental statues embody the spiritual power and protective role of deities.
Figures of Apsaras, celestial dancers with graceful expressions, symbolize divine beauty and harmony.

Every detail—from the gesture of a hand to the fold of a garment—reflects the Khmer desire to unite aesthetics, spirituality, and symmetry.

Techniques and Materials

Sandstone

The main material for monumental sculpture, sandstone was largely sourced from the Kulen mountain quarries (north of Siem Reap). It combined solidity with ease of carving. Its fine grain allowed sculptors to achieve highly precise lines in bas-reliefs.

Wood

More modest yet equally important, wood was used in villages for:

Buddha statues destined for pagodas and homes;
Altars and decorative columns for sanctuaries;
Carved posts for architectural or ceremonial structures.

Woodworking produced softer finishes, with depth effects and subtle details.

Craftsmanship

The method was demanding:

Selection of the material (sandstone or wood).
Rough shaping through hammering and cutting.
Progressive detailing through delicate chiseling.
Polishing and, in some cases, application of a patina or natural paint.

Places of Production and Transmission

Siem Reap – The Heritage Center

Located near the temples of Angkor, Siem Reap is the historic heart of stone sculpture.
Today, it still hosts numerous workshops and craft schools, where young people are trained to reproduce Angkorian bas-reliefs and restore monuments listed as World Heritage.

Phnom Penh – Urban Renewal

In the capital, urban workshops continue stone and wood carving in a more contemporary form.
They produce Buddha statues as well as decorative pieces for modern homes and public spaces.

Kampong Thom and Battambang – Rural Sculpture

These provinces host villages of artisans specializing in wood carving.
Families perpetuate ancient traditions, crafting religious statues, decorated posts, and pagoda altars.
These regions play a vital role in preserving authentic craftsmanship, often practiced alongside agriculture.

Cultural and Spiritual Dimension

Khmer sculpture goes beyond aesthetics: it is a spiritual and identity-bearing expression.

It embodies the Khmer people's connection to religion, whether Hinduism or Buddhism.
It illustrates a relationship with the sacred, where each statue is revered as more than a material object.
It contributes to Cambodia’s global image, through the temples of Angkor and contemporary craft creations alike.

Khmer sculpture, whether carved in sandstone from Kulen mountain or in wood crafted in villages, remains one of Cambodia’s greatest legacies. From Angkor to the workshops of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, and through the villages of Kampong Thom and Battambang, it illustrates the continuity of a millennia-old tradition. A symbiosis between art, religion, and national identity, it endures today as a living pillar of Cambodian heritage.

2.The Art of Lacquering in Cambodia

The art of lacquering holds a privileged place in Cambodian craftsmanship. Inherited from ancient traditions and influenced by Southeast Asian practices, this decorative technique combines aesthetics, symbolism, and spirituality. Once dedicated mainly to religious objects and ceremonial pieces, lacquering has endured through the centuries and today enjoys a revival, thanks to artisan workshops and local cooperatives.

An Ancient Decorative Practice

The principle of lacquering consists of covering a surface—usually wood, metal, or ceramics—with several successive layers of natural lacquer, obtained from plant resins. Each layer is carefully polished before applying the next, creating a glossy, protective effect.

Historically, this technique was used to enhance:

Religious statues, offered to pagodas or used during Buddhist ceremonies.
Furniture, destined for temples or royal families.
Ceremonial objects, symbols of social and spiritual prestige.

Beyond its aesthetic qualities, this art gave objects greater durability thanks to a coating resistant to water and time.

Symbolism of Colors

Cambodian artisans favored three main colors, each charged with deep meaning:

Black: associated with depth, strength, and stability; also seen as a protective shield against negative influences.
Red: symbol of vitality, energy, and prosperity; frequently used in furniture and sacred representations.
Yellow/Gold: closely linked to royalty and the sacred, embodying spiritual elevation and light; often found in golden Buddha statues.

These colors, applied alone or in combination, gave objects a spiritual dimension in addition to their aesthetic role.

Traditional Objects and Applications

The art of lacquering is expressed in a wide range of objects reflecting Cambodian practices:

Religious statues: Buddhas and deities, sometimes enhanced with gilding and floral motifs.
Furniture and decorative chests: destined for sanctuaries, but also for wealthy households.
Everyday and ceremonial objects: trays, boxes, bowls, and utensils decorated with Khmer motifs, blending utility with beauty.

Artisans often incorporate traditional Khmer motifs (lotus, stylized flowers, geometric figures inspired by Kbach), giving each creation its own identity.

A Reviving Art

During the 20th century, lacquering declined due to economic changes and political upheavals. But since the 1990s, it has undergone a true renaissance.

Workshops and Production Areas

Phnom Penh: specialized workshops produce furniture and design objects, blending tradition with modern lines.
Siem Reap: close to the temples, local cooperatives and NGOs train young artisans, linking heritage and economic development.
Battambang: family workshops revive chests and ritual objects, often sold in local markets.

Modernity Serving Tradition

Today, lacquering is associated with cultural tourism and the international market. Artisans draw upon this tradition to create unique pieces, combining spiritual heritage with contemporary trends (interior design, decorative items, artistic crafts).

Cambodian lacquering, both ancient and modern, embodies the richness of Khmer heritage. More than a decorative technique, it is an art connecting spirituality, aesthetics, and functionality. From religious statues to finely decorated chests, each piece expresses a balance between tradition and innovation. Thanks to the workshops of Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Battambang, lacquer and colors continue to shine, ensuring the transmission of this precious heritage to future generations.

3.Cambodian Silversmithing

Cambodian silversmithing is one of the country’s most prestigious crafts. Inherited from the Khmer Empire, this know-how combines beauty, spirituality, and social prestige. Working silver—and sometimes gold—is a complex art requiring patience, precision, and mastery of traditional techniques. Today, it still holds a living place in Cambodia’s rituals and daily culture.

A Prestigious Tradition

The Origins of Khmer Silversmithing

Since antiquity, Khmer kings and dignitaries wore silver and gold jewelry as symbols of power and wealth. In temples, many ritual objects—cups, boxes, ornaments—were crafted from precious metals to accompany Hindu and Buddhist worship.

The Spiritual and Social Role

Silversmithing was not only for adornment: it also played a role in religious rites, embodying light, purity, and prosperity. Wearing or offering a silver jewel long symbolized luck and protection.

Techniques and Creations

Traditional Processes

Cambodian silversmiths still preserve ancient techniques:

Hammering: shaping metal by hand.
Engraving: decorating with delicate motifs (lotus, stylized flowers, nagas).
Chasing: precision work that gives relief to creations.

Types of Objects

Jewelry: bracelets, necklaces, earrings, belts, and rings, often adorned with traditional motifs.
Boxes: betel boxes, perfume containers, or offering boxes, engraved with arabesques or floral patterns.
Ritual objects: goblets, trays, crowns, or Buddhist instruments used in sacred ceremonies.

Each piece is unique, handmade, and often requires several days of meticulous work.

Places of Production

Kampong Thom and Prey Veng: provinces renowned for their ancient artisanal traditions, where families perpetuate jewelry and silver box production for local and regional markets.
Phnom Penh: the capital hosts prestigious workshops and training schools, where master silversmiths teach younger generations. Creations often blend traditional forms with modern influences.
Siem Reap: near Angkor, several workshops produce jewelry and ornamental objects inspired by ancient Khmer art, often for the cultural and tourist market, helping spread Cambodian silversmithing worldwide.

Cultural and Social Value

Silversmithing retains a special importance in Cambodian life:

Weddings: brides often wear silver or gold sets, symbols of prosperity and happiness.
Buddhist rituals: silver objects are offered to monks and adorn temple altars.
Prestigious gifts: jewelry and silverware are given to express respect, luck, and longevity.

Beyond material wealth, silver and gold embody an intangible heritage where artistic beauty, cultural identity, and spirituality converge.

Cambodian silversmithing is a refined art that reflects Khmer artisanal genius. From the Angkor Empire to the workshops of Kampong Thom, Prey Veng, Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap, ancestral techniques endure and adapt to contemporary tastes. A symbol of prosperity and tradition, it remains central to ceremonies, social life, and Cambodia’s cultural transmission.

4.Traditional Khmer Kites

Traditional Cambodian kites, called khlèng ek, are among the country’s oldest and most poetic cultural practices. Rooted in a long agricultural and spiritual tradition, they combine aesthetics, craftsmanship, and symbolism. These kites are far more than toys: they embody a connection with nature and the spirits, still accompanying festivals and competitions today.

A Centuries-Old Tradition

Ancient Origins

Khmer kites date back several centuries. In agrarian times, they were linked to nature’s cycles and rice-growing seasons. Flying a kite was a way to call for favorable winds, ensure prosperous harvests, and ward off evil spirits.

The Khlèng Ek, the Musical Kite

The most famous is the khlèng ek, a large kite often decorated with colorful motifs and fitted with a bamboo bow. When the wind passes through, the bow vibrates, producing a melodious sound, like celestial music. This sound was interpreted as a sign of appeasing the forces of nature.

Techniques of Fabrication

Materials Used

Crafting a khlèng ek kite relies on natural materials easily found in villages:

Flexible bamboo for the frame.
Rice paper or light fabric for the covering.
Natural fiber string for strength and maneuverability.

Steps of Creation

Selection and cutting of bamboo: it must be flexible and resistant.
Frame assembly: carefully balanced to ensure stable flight.
Application of the sail: paper or fabric glued or sewn to the frame.
Decoration: geometric, floral, or animal motifs, often inspired by Khmer tradition.
Attachment of the musical bow: a bamboo or rattan strip producing the characteristic sound.

Each kite requires several days of meticulous work to achieve both visual beauty and aerial performance.

Cultural and Ceremonial Role

Festivals and Competitions

Khmer kites are not just children’s toys: they are part of festive traditions. Competitions and festivals, especially after the rice harvest, bring villages together in a convivial atmosphere.

Symbolic Value

The kite’s flight symbolizes spiritual elevation and communication with ancestors.
The sound of the khlèng ek appeases the gods and promotes harmony.
Kite-making and flying foster solidarity, as both are often collective activities.

Places of Practice and Production

Kandal: a province famous for its traditional kite competitions.
Battambang: home to village workshops specializing in traditional methods.
Phnom Penh: the capital regularly hosts modern kite competitions during national cultural festivals.
Kampong Speu: rural communities still practice family kite-making, handed down from generation to generation.

Traditional Khmer kites, especially the khlèng ek, are a magnificent expression of Cambodian culture. At the crossroads of craftsmanship, agricultural ritual, and popular festivity, they represent the creativity of the Khmer people and their intimate connection with nature. From Kandal to Battambang, and from Phnom Penh to Kampong Speu, these kites continue to brighten Cambodian skies and pass on a unique intangible heritage to future generations.

5.The Kbach: The Khmer Art of Decorative Motifs

The Kbach is one of the most distinctive elements of Khmer art. More than a mere aesthetic technique, it is a true codified visual language, transmitted from generation to generation since the Khmer Empire. These ornamental motifs—geometric, floral, and symbolic—are found on a wide range of media, including temples, sculptures, textiles, and ceramics, and still represent today a hallmark of Cambodian artistic identity.

A Millennia-Old Tradition

Origins and Symbolism

The Kbach originated in the Khmer Empire (9th–15th centuries), adorning Angkor temples and contributing to the sacred dimension of architecture. Each motif carries spiritual or philosophical meaning:

Lotus: symbol of purity and elevation.
Naga (mythical serpent): a protective figure and intermediary between worlds.
Geometric motifs: representing harmony, infinity, and cosmic balance.

Oral Transmission and Practice

Traditionally, Kbach was not taught through manuals but passed down orally and practically, from master artisan to apprentice, through observation and repetition. It is therefore both a visual discipline and a spiritual heritage.

Styles of Kbach

Several major families of Kbach can be distinguished:

Kbach phñi tes (floral motifs): lotus, foliage, stylized flowers.
Kbach khmouk (animal motifs): nagas, lions, mythical birds.
Kbach phnhom (architectural motifs): rosettes and geometric interlacing for pediments and lintels.
Kbach phteah (domestic motifs): decorations used in daily life (woodwork, ceramics, textiles).

Each style follows precise codes while leaving room for artisan creativity.

Domains of Application

The Kbach decorates nearly all Cambodian artistic domains:

Architecture: temples, pagodas, carved columns, pediments.
Sculpture: Buddha statues and bas-reliefs.
Textiles: silk motifs (sampot hol, ikat, etc.).
Silversmithing: engravings on jewelry and boxes.
Ceramics and lacquer: incised or painted decorations.

Its versatility makes Kbach a thread connecting all other crafts.

Places of Transmission and Practice

Phnom Penh: the Royal University of Fine Arts and specialized schools of sculpture and decoration perpetuate the academic transmission of Kbach.
Siem Reap: artisan workshops around Angkor integrate Kbach into reproductions and restorations of bas-reliefs.
Battambang: renowned for its art schools and decorative painting workshops, still widely practicing Kbach.

Associative projects also help keep this art alive, training young artisans to adapt these traditional motifs to modern supports (design, applied arts, interior decoration).

The Kbach is not merely decorative art: it is a sacred visual grammar of Khmer culture. From lotus carved in Angkor stone to floral motifs on silks, it bridges past and present, tradition and creation. Its transmission, today ensured in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Battambang, guarantees the preservation of a unique craft—an aesthetic and spiritual pillar of Cambodian identity.

Conclusion

Cambodian craftsmanship is a fascinating journey between past and present. From the krama as an identity symbol to refined silks, from millennia-old pottery to Angkorian sculpture, lacquering, and silversmithing—each piece bears the mark of unique know-how.
These arts, still alive and reinvented today, invite us to celebrate and support the cultural richness of Cambodia.

FAQ on Khmer Craftsmanship and Decorative Arts

What traditional materials are used in Khmer sculpture?

Khmer sculpture mainly uses sandstone quarried around Angkor and Kulen, as well as wood for statues, altars, and architectural elements. These materials are worked using ancestral carving techniques, often in friezes or ornamental bas-reliefs.

What ornamental styles are found in Khmer decorative arts?

Geometric and vegetal motifs are omnipresent, such as lotus, naga, or elephant forms. Architectural elements carved in relief are also common, often in natural or pearly tones.

What is the importance of mural painting in pagoda (wat) decoration?

Mural paintings, often created with natural pigments on plaster, depict mythical or religious scenes related to rice fields, Khmer Rouge history, and local spirituality. They use rich tones, sometimes finished with wax.

What techniques are used for lacquering Khmer art objects?

Traditional lacquer involves several layers applied on wood, metal, or ceramics, enhanced with painted or incised motifs. Symbolic colors include black, red, and yellow (gold), with influences from Asian and Art Nouveau styles.

In which period did Asian art influence Cambodian decorative art?

Decorative art was strongly influenced by Thai, Art Deco, and Art Nouveau styles, especially from the 18th century onward. These influences are visible in vase forms, bronze ornaments, and richly patterned textiles.

How are Kbach motifs integrated into traditional furniture?

Kbach is applied in old furniture, inlays in mother-of-pearl or bronze, and decorative appliqués. These motifs rhythmically structure temples and enrich furniture with both geometric and vegetal designs.

What role does silversmithing play in Khmer ceremonies?

Silversmithing, especially in silver and gold, produces jewelry, perfume or betel boxes, and ritual objects for pagodas and festivals. These pieces are finely engraved with geometric and floral patterns inspired by Asian art.

What is the symbolism of traditional kites in Cambodian culture?

Khmer kites, decorated with painted motifs, are used in night festivals. The khlèng ek produces a unique musical sound thanks to its bamboo structure. It symbolizes the connection between sky and earth, and harmony with agricultural cycles.

What are the Vietnamese and Thai influences in Khmer art?

Khmer art has long integrated Thai and Vietnamese influences in its motifs, colors, and painting techniques, especially in heritage ornaments, vases, and richly patterned textiles.

What makes Angkor Wat unique among the monuments of Southeast Asia?

Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world and a masterpiece of Khmer civilization. Built in the early 12th century during the reign of King Suryavarman II, it was originally a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu before later becoming a Buddhist temple under Theravada Buddhism. Its intricate bas-reliefs and harmonious architecture make it one of UNESCO’s most iconic World Heritage Sites.

How does Angkor Thom differ from Angkor Wat?

Angkor Thom was the last capital city of the Khmer Empire, established in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII. Unlike Angkor Wat, which was primarily a temple, Angkor Thom was a fortified city surrounded by a moat, with monumental gates and the famous Bayon temple featuring towers carved with serene faces of the deity Avalokiteshvara.

What role did Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism play in Angkor’s history?

During the medieval period, Angkor shifted from Mahayana Buddhism, favored by Jayavarman VII, to Theravada Buddhism in the 13th century. This change influenced the way temples like Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm were preserved, adapted, and used by Cambodian people up to the present day.

What archaeological discoveries have been made at Angkor Wat?

Archaeology has revealed Sanskrit inscriptions, buried statues, and evidence of tombs and ritual practices. Recent archaeological studies using LIDAR technology have also uncovered hidden urban structures around the temple complex, showing Angkor was once one of the largest cities of the medieval world.

Why is Ta Prohm considered one of the most atmospheric ruins?

Ta Prohm, famous for its trees growing out of the ruins, was left largely unrestored to highlight the interplay between nature and architecture. Built by Jayavarman VII in honor of his mother, this Buddhist temple is an extraordinary preserved site where apsaras and intricate carvings remain visible despite centuries of decay.

How important is the Tonle Sap in relation to Angkor?

The Tonle Sap lake and its surrounding countryside were essential to the Khmer civilization. Its unique flooding cycle provided fertile land for rice cultivation, sustaining the population and allowing monumental projects like Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom to flourish.

What is the significance of bas-reliefs at Angkor Wat temple?

The bas-reliefs at Angkor Wat depict Hindu gods, epic tales like the Churning of the Ocean of Milk, and scenes from royal processions. These detailed carvings not only illustrate mythology but also serve as inscriptions documenting Khmer history, culture, and spirituality.

Why is Angkor Wat considered a symbol of Cambodian identity?

Angkor Wat is more than an archaeological site; it is a sacred monument preserved through centuries of war and change. Appearing on Cambodia’s national flag, it represents resilience, spirituality, and the achievements of the Khmer civilization. For Cambodian people, it embodies both historical pride and living faith.

What is the connection between Angkor and modern Indochina history?

During the French colonial period in Indochina, archaeologists from the École Française d’Extrême-Orient (EFEO) undertook large-scale preservation and restoration of Angkor’s ruins. This work ensured that temples, terraces, and moats were stabilized and recognized internationally as a cultural treasure.

Why did UNESCO declare Angkor a World Heritage Site?

In 1992, UNESCO designated Angkor a World Heritage Site due to its outstanding universal value as a center of medieval art, architecture, and spirituality. Since then, international cooperation has helped preserve its monuments and protect them from threats such as looting, natural erosion, and the impacts of mass tourism.