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367 Chapter 28 Paint, Plaster, and Stucco — Decorative Features of Khmer Temples in Cambodia Esther von Plehwe-Leisen and Hans Leisen Abstract The temples in the Angkor region nowadays present themselves as stone constructions decorated by excellent stone carvings and superior bas-reliefs. During Khmer times their outer appearance was very much different from our modern impression. Most probably the stone and brick surfaces of the temples were covered by paint layers with or without washes, plaster, and stucco. In the course of the German Apsara Conservation Project (GACP) remains of these features have been carefully surveyed on site. Small samples have been taken, and microscopic and analytical studies have been carried out. Descriptions of former scientists have been collected and old color photographs have been checked for relics of surface decoration systems. The study presented gives an overview on the ongoing investigations into this unknown topic in order to discover more about the techniques of the Khmer architects and craftsmen, and to better understand the original appearance of the temples. The bad state of preservation of the finishing systems is pointed out, and the high endangerment of the relics of the whole technology is addressed. As with the building stones, all of the decoration materials are subject to degradation. Conservational aspects like damage phenomena and necessary conservation steps are discussed. The contribution is an attempt to shift scientific attention to this neglected aspect of Khmer heritage, and emphasises its importance and influence on the handling of the monuments. Introduction The Khmer building technique differed significantly from our modern building techniques. Different types of natural stone and bricks were used as building materials. Both building technique and materials have a determining effect on the decoration systems. The temples were carved out of ‘quasimonolithic bodies’ of stone or bricks. Stone ashlars as well as bricks were rubbed one against the other in order to produce flat joints that needed no joint mortar (Figure 28.1). By this technique, a homogenous surface was produced that could subsequently be carved like a single block. For building materials, bricks, sandstone, and laterite were used. Khmer construction Fig 28.1 The bas-reliefs of the Bayon temple in Cambodia give information on the building technique of the Khmer temples. 28 ISEA.indd 367 6/6/08 10:47:24 AM 368 ESTHER VON PLEHWE-LEISEN AND HANS LEISEN techniques and building materials show that decorative coatings of the surfaces were necessary (von Plehwe-Leisen and Leisen 2005). For decoration of the walls, different wall finishing systems were common in addition to stone carvings: stucco, plaster, and renderings, as well as architectural polychromy or mural paintings, and most probably also metal plates. Today only careful observation reveals the rare relics of these finishing technologies. Stone Carvings Khmer temples are very well-known for their excellent stone carvings. Besides the famous bas-reliefs, apsara figures, lintels and pediments, temple walls, and windows or door jambs show fine floral or tapestry carvings. On the well-prepared substrate, carvings were planned by preliminary sketches in black and red (Dürre 2001). Nowadays relics of these sketches are only preserved in the temple interior. For tapestrytype decoration, construction lines were drawn in order to divide the area into equal parts. Grids allowed the regular grouping of decorative ornaments. Round decorations were planned either by freehand drawing or by some type of compass. The reliefs of the apsaras or the long bas-reliefs of the galleries of Angkor Wat temple also show traces of preliminary sketches. The contours were later scratched, and subsequently the carvings thoroughly finished. The last step was to polychrome the carved surfaces. The technique was to apply the paint either directly to the surface or to add a very thin lime wash that subsequently was polychromed. Microscopic and analytical studies showed that different kinds of iron red and ochre, red and white lead, and cinnabar and gold were in use as pigments (Jägers 1996; Kiesewetter et al. 2001). With the exception of rare traces, the carved surfaces have now lost all their paint layers (Figure 28.2). The surfaces are threatened by stone deterioration phenomena common for the building stones of the Angkor region (Leisen et al. 1998, and Chapter 30 in this volume). Fig 28.2 Red color can still be seen on this pediment at the temple of Preah Vihear. 28 ISEA.indd 368 6/6/08 10:47:26 AM [3.145.74.54] Project MUSE (2024-04-26 09...

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