Ceramic Collection and Conservation from the Preah Vihear Area

Exploring several areas close to the Preah Vihear temple, RUFA Ceramic Conservator Sokha Tep (with assistant Em Dany) presents various artefacts retrieved in surrounding ancient settlements, and traces their origin to identified kilns.

About Preah Vihear itself, the author notes that ​“Preah Vihear architecture is identified by a specific style, such as the decoration of collonels, lintels, frontons, statues and bas reliefs. Eight kings who built the Preah Vihear temple: Yasovarman I (889−900 AD.), Jayavarman IV (921−944 AD.), Rachjendravarman (944 – 968AD.), Jayavarman V (968−1001 AD.), Sorysavarman I (1002−1050 AD.), Udayaditvarman II (1050−1066 AD.), Jayavarman VI (1080−1107 AD.), and Surayavarman II (1113−1150 AD.). Architectural evidence suggests Kings Yasovarman I, Surayavarman I and Surayavarman II were the major kings who built the temple. Additional evidence indicates the eastern stairway which is linked to Gopura 5 was probably built after Gopura 5 was constructed and dried pond at flank of a mountain. Futhermore, research by the Department of Monument and Archaeology has found a trace of an ancient road near the Touch temple which some researchers suggest may have been a hospital in the reign of King Jayavarman VII (mid- 13^th century).”