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Heritage Preservation

Southeast Asia has always been the crossroads between the ancient civilizations of India and China. As travelers with great artistic, scientific and spiritual knowledge passed through local populations adopted ideas and manifested new levels of creativity. Devata.org joins many other international groups to preserve and perpetuate the ancient history, culture, art and literature of this fascinating region.

French artist Jean Despujols - seen here in a self-portrait - won the Grand Prix de Rome in 1914.

Jean Despujols Prix de Rome Centennial 1914-2014

Born in Salles en Gironde, France on Mar. 19, 1886, Jean Despujols is best known to Southeast Asian scholars for his stunning art depicting French Indochina during his two-year mission throughout the region from 1936-1938. His paintings of Angkor and Cambodian dancers are among the most beautiful ever created. This article by his grandson, Godefroy Hofer, describe the competition that established his reputation as a world-class artist and celebrate a magnificent anniversary: Jean Despujols’ centennial of winning the Grand Prix de Rome on July 18, 1914.

French casting of a Khmer dancer based on works by the School of Cambodian Arts (possibly from the studio of Alfred Finot, 1876-1947).

Khmer Crafts-George Groslier and the School of Cambodian Arts-Part 2

In early 20th century Cambodia, George Groslier established the School of Cambodian Arts, teaching students the crafts of modelling, wood-carving, sculpture, bronze-casting, furniture-making, the art of the gold­smith or silversmith, and (for girls) weaving. In 1936, English author Miss H. W. Ponder published “Cambodian Glory,” including a detailed chapter about this unique school titled “The Tree of Knowledge.” This is the second of a four-part series of articles excerpted from her work.

George Groslier in his home study in Phnom Penh on December 3, 1922.

George Groslier and the School of Cambodian Arts-Part 1

In 1936, English author Miss H. W. Ponder published Cambodian Glory, including a detailed chapter about George Groslier and the School of Cambodian Arts titled “The Tree of Knowledge.” Excerpts from her article are featured on Devata.org as a four part series detailing Groslier’s work reviving the classic crafts of the Khmer people by founding the School of Cambodian Arts. This is the first article in a four part series.