Angkor Apsara jewellery unveiled after study

A remarkable project blending scholarship and artistry has brought ancient Khmer heritage to life, with newly recreated Apsara jewellery unveiled in Phnom Penh this week.

The collection, inspired by carvings at Angkor Wat, Bayon and Banteay Chhmar, was presented to Royal Academy of Cambodia President Sok Touch by Nou Chan Sophy, head of the Institute of Culture and Fine Arts. Alongside the jewellery, two sets of Apsara costumes were handed over, destined for display in Touch’s private library at Phnom Baset.

Chan Sophy explained that the pieces are the result of seven years of research into temple sculptures. The four sets feature crowns with one, three, five and seven peaks, each accompanied by necklaces, chest ornaments, waist belts, armlets, bracelets and anklets. “On behalf of myself and the team, I would like to present these items to His Excellency for display in your personal library,” she said at the ceremony.

Touch praised the project for transforming stone carvings into tangible objects, making Angkorian civilisation more accessible to citizens and students. “All of these costumes demonstrate the greatness of the Khmer people,” he noted, adding that future generations and foreign visitors will be able to study and even try wearing them.

The initiative has produced not only the recreated attire but also 18 volumes of documentation, connecting theory with practice. Touch thanked Senate President Hun Sen and Finance Minister Aun Pornmoniroth for their support, stressing that the work allows Khmer history to be studied without requiring knowledge of French, Pali or Sanskrit.

The unveiling marks a significant step in preserving Cambodia’s cultural legacy, ensuring that the splendour of Angkor’s Apsaras continues to inspire both scholars and the wider public.

-2026-08-06