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T h e a r t o f A n g ko r
Choose ethical gifts from Cambodia’s foremost retailer of local art
A
rtisans d’Angkor has a very specific remit: to sell
top-quality products made by local communities.
Internationally known for its artistic creations,
the region has long been supplying South-East Asia with
ornaments and furnishings. Artisans d’Angkor gathers
together a range of products that are unparalleled in
Cambodia, so that visitors can take home more than just
memories of their visit. Alain Brun, CEO of Artisans d’Angkor,
discusses the company’s role in preserving these ancient arts.
Clockwise from left: Hol Lboeuk scarf,
the flagship product of Artisans d’Angkor;
Elephant of Mebon, a symbol of Artisans
d’Angkor workmanship; Ruins of Hope, a
majestic lacquer panel by Sokhang Thai;
CEO of Artisans d’Angkor, Alain Brun
Tell us about the range of products: what makes Cambodian arts
and crafts special and unique?
The Khmer Empire left an exceptionally rich cultural legacy
featuring outstanding sculptures, patterns, colours and
Artisans d’Angkor is the perfect place to
textures. Artisans d’Angkor showcases those traditional arts
pick up festive gifts, because… you can find
and crafts.
a wide range of high-quality products to
suit every taste. Not only does the company
The company has been described as ‘a model of sustainability and
revive traditional Khmer arts and crafts,
fairness’ and helps to transform the lives of local communities.
but it also offers a collection of hand-made
How does the company operate, and how does it benefit the
clothing and home furnishings suited to
craftspeople? Artisans d’Angkor has pioneered an innovative
contemporary lifestyles. From the refined
social policy in Cambodia by guaranteeing a higher income
Apsara sculpture to the trendy daily bag,
than average and providing medical welfare and social
there are items to suit everyone, including
benefits. The company trains young Cambodians
you! Also, we may have a surprise
in traditional workmanship for free and even
for you in our shops for the Christmas holidays, but shhh!
compensates them. At the end of the training,
… it’s a secret!
they are offered lucrative jobs close to their
For more information, visit artisansdangkor.com
villages at Artisans d’Angkor workshops.
Besides, the company generates employment
several thousands of families to secure a decent
New Year’s Resolution
for 2012:
standard of living.
To develop a scale of highly creative products while
for all its partners and thus indirectly allows
“Artisans d’Angkor
has pioneered an
innovative social
policy in Cambodia”
maintaining the utmost standards of quality. Our
goal is to offer an overview of Cambodian artistic
know-how, from Angkor heritage to modern,
fashionable Khmer style. Cambodia is evolving at
a fast pace, and so are we!
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