The Golden Thread: A History of Cambodian Silk Weaving

The Golden Thread: A History of Cambodian Silk Weaving
Chapter One: The Cloth of Commerce: The Golden Age of Khmer Silk The great Khmer Empire of Angkor is justly famous for its breathtaking achievements in stone. Yet, the civilization was also a master of a softer, more perishable, but no less magnificent art form: the weaving of silk. The Angkorian era, from the 9th to the 15th centuries, was a true golden age for Khmer textiles. The weavers of the empire produced silks of incredible complexity, beauty, and value. These fine textiles were not just clothing; they were a primary symbol of royal power, a clear marker of social status, a tool of diplomacy, and a valuable commodity in the bustling international trade networks of ancient Southeast Asia. While the stone temples are the enduring skeleton of the empire, its woven silks were its shimmering, beautiful skin. The Evidence in Stone: A Weaver's World on the Walls Our most powerful and detailed evidence for the sophistication of Angkorian silk comes from the very walls of the temples.…