Preah Khan

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Scope note
Refers to the style named for the temple complex founded by Jayavarman VII (1181-1220 CE) in 1191 CE. The style is driven by centralized authoritarian rule, a revival in urban planning, the establishment of Buddhism as the state religion, and the infusion of religious architectural symbolism. The style is noted for its use of monumental garuas in the guise of telamones, the installation of hundreds of statues along walkways, religious veneration for the cosmos, and the first occurrence of large sanctuaries decorated with colossal faces on each of its sides representing the bodhisattva Lokeshvara and the king. The style is evidenced by sculpture of coiled serpents in the smaller sanctuaries and by the use of axial pools to symbolize the cosmic lakes.
Preah Khan
Accepted term: 29-Apr-2024