Glass Paintings of the Khmer
The Khmer have a long-standing cultural tradition of adorning their homes with glass paintings for worship and decoration. This very need gave rise to the enduring craft of Khmer glass painting, which has become a traditional profession passed down through generations.
According to Huynh Thi Soc Kha, a skilled artisan from Soc Trang, explained that Khmer glass paintings typically depict themes related to the life of the Buddha, natural landscapes, famous landmarks, and pagodas. This intricate art form is considered a challenging craft, demanding skilled hands, meticulous attention to detail and a keen eye for color harmony.
Skilled artisans meticulously apply vibrant and lively colors onto transparent glass panels of various sizes. Remarkably, despite being practiced for centuries, the Khmer people still create these glass paintings entirely by hand, without using any machinery in the process.
The creation process of a Khmer glass painting involves a series of meticulous steps. The artisan begins by meticulously sketching an outline on the glass. The artwork is then exposed to sunlight to dry the initial strokes and layers of specially formulated paint. This painstaking process is repeated, adding new layers of detail until the painting is complete.
Notably, Khmer glass painting requires a unique technique. The artist works from the reverse side, painting the details that will appear closest to the viewer first. This is because the final image is viewed through the glass, making this reversed approach essential to achieving the desired effect.
The meticulous process demands continuous work from the artisan. Since the paint on glass dries slowly, each layer must be completely dry before applying the next. Interrupting this flow can result in a disjointed painting with uneven colors. Once finished, the artwork is adorned on the back to enhance its brilliance. This embellishment might include screws, gold leaf, or gold-trimmed paper. Finally, a protective layer of varnish is applied, and the artwork is framed in wood, ready to be displayed.
Among the various themes, paintings portraying the Buddha are considered the most challenging. Capturing the Buddha's serene expression, from the soulful eyes to the gentle smile, requires the mastery of experienced artisans honed over years of practice.
Despite changes in modern life, including living conditions and evolving needs, Khmer glass painting has endured. It remains not only a cherished traditional art form but also a unique expression of the Khmer culture. Recognizing its importance, artisans are now opening classes to pass on this intricate craft to younger generations, ensuring the preservation and promotion of this multi-generational cultural heritage.
Story: Ngan Ha Photos: Viet Cuong/VNP Translated by Nguyen Tuoi