Jayavarman VII statue restoration discussed

via Phnom Penh Post 11 April 2022: The restored version of the statue can be seen in this previous story, although whether the statue should be restored is still being considered.

The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has no immediate plans to link the carved hands of King Jayavarman VII – found during the 1990s – to his statue, which is kept at the National Museum. This work is being discussed with the leadership, according to Chhay Visoth, director of the ministry’s Department of National Museum.

Visoth told The Post on April 10 that the fragments of Jayavarman VII’s hands were found in the 1990s by Frenchman Michel Trane.

“In this work, the important thing is that we have to discuss the best course of action with the leadership first. As long as they allow us to study the best way to connect the hands to the statue, we will continue, but without their permission, we would not dare,” he said.

“However, we are considering how we will get it done, in case we are told to go ahead and attach them,” he added.

Source: Jayavarman VII statue restoration discussed | Phnom Penh Post