Khmer Ceramics & Fine Arts Centre

Khmer Ceramics & Fine Arts Centre, formerly known as National Centre for Khmer Ceramics Revival (NCKCR), is an organization aiming to rediscover and reintroduce Khmer ancestral pottery techniques and support the development of contemporary Khmer ceramic art. In the process, the centre creates economic opportunities, helping to decrease poverty in Cambodia. It is located in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Research on Khmer Antique glazing and techniques - Antique Khmer ceramics are renowned, but the technology was lost during the recent terrible upheavals in Cambodia (Khmer Rouge). The center has sought to rediscover this technology, researching antique Khmer glazing, bisque, kilns, potters language etc.

In September 2007 the centre start the construction of an antique Khmer kiln (dragon kiln). The first firing as being done in December 2007 the first time in 500 years such kiln as being fired in Cambodia - a 10 day and night event. This kiln is the reconstitution of one of the largest wood kiln of the Khmer Empire 40,000 Litres (discovered at Phnom Kulen). It also allows to fire reconstituted antique Khmer glaze under the same conditions that it was made in Angkor. Such a kiln is a major tool in the research of antique Khmer techniques.

Mr.Chhay Rachna (Conservation of Monuments in the Angkor Park and Preventive Archaeology, Cambodian government, APSARA Authority) held to assist the reconstitution. Mr.Chhay Rachna also participate with the ceramic production development to publish a poster ’’a guide to understanding Khmer stoneware characteristics from the late 9th to early 13th

The centre organized and held the 1st international ceramics festival from the 11 to 29th of December 2007 in Siem Reap. In order to facilitate exchange with potters from all around the world and will bring together academics and practitioners for the benefit of economically sustainable activities in the region. Conferences occurring during the festival as being held at the CKS Centre for Khmer Study Conference Center at Wat Damnak (Siem reap) Conference theme is ‘’Ancient Khmer and Southeast Asian Ceramics: New Archaeological Findings, Production and the Revival of Techniques’’ A collaboration between the National Center for Khmer Ceramics Revival, Center for Khmer Studies and heritage Watch. AGENDA Thursday, December 13, 2007 Visit to two ancient Khmer sites

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