Douglas A. J. Latchford, Khmer Gold
In Angkor, Arts and Culture, Cambodia, Khmer, Photography on Friday, June 5, 2009 at 5:18 AM
While in Phnom Penh, I decided to make a unplanned visit to the National Museum. Though not my first time, the visit was as interesting and worthwhile as always. The major draw this time, though, was nothing else but a new exhibit on rare Angkorian gold and jewelry, never seen before in Cambodia.
A recent donation by British businessman and an author of Khmer Gold Douglas A. J. Latchford, the collection dates back to the 11th-12th century. It comprises of exquisitely designed belts, rings, headdresses and diadems, crowns, earrings, armbands, chignon covers and bracelets, believed to be worn by ancient Khmer kings in the heydays of the Khmer Empire. While their age and origin remain unclear, the items were found by Latchford in antique stores in Bangkok.
Some of the jewelry currently on display. Please excuse my abuse of the “no photography in the museum” rule.
The sight of them totally stunned me. Until that very day, I had always thought that these precious items had already been lost. I am thankful to Mr. Latchford, who was so kind to return them to Cambodia. Your kindness will be forever remembered by all Cambodians, and I’ll proudly say that you are one of the rare heroes out there that our world needs.
As for my readers, please don’t miss this exhibit! Do stop by the National Museum whenever you have a chance. I guarantee you will love this!
Spring, Wisconsin, Wisconsin State Capitol
In Photography, Seasons on Saturday, May 9, 2009 at 4:24 PM
Tulips in front of the Wisconsin State Capitol
Lake Mendota
Madison’s famous State Street
Wisconsin, Wisconsin State Capitol
In Photography on Thursday, February 19, 2009 at 11:45 AM
Located in Madison, WI, The Wisconsin State Capitol was completed in 1917. It houses both chambers of the Wisconsin legislature along with the Wisconsin Supreme Court and the Office of the Governor. The building is the fifth to serve as the Wisconsin capitol since the first territorial legislature convened in 1836 and the third building since Wisconsin was granted statehood in 1848.
The Capitol is 284 feet, 5 inches tall from the ground floor to the top of the statue on the dome, making the building 3 feet shorter than the nation’s capitol in Washington D.C. The “Wisconsin” statue on the dome was sculpted in 1920 by Daniel Chester French of New York. Her left hand holds a globe with an eagle on it and her right arm is outstretched to symbolize the state motto, “Forward.” She wears a helmet with the state animal, the badger, on top. She is made of hollow bronze covered with gold leaf.
The Capitol was constructed of 43 types of stone from six countries and eight states. The exterior stone is Bethel White granite from Vermont, making the exterior dome the largest granite dome in the world. In the rotunda is marble from Greece, Algeria, Italy, and France, along with Minnesota limestone, Norwegian syenite (Labradorite) and red granite from Waupaca, Wisconsin. Other Wisconsin granites are located throughout the public hallways on the ground, first, and second floors.
(Source: Wikipedia)
California, San Diego, Sunset Cliff
In Photography on Thursday, January 22, 2009 at 11:21 PM
