Silver has for centuries been a valued commodity, its value only being matched by the level of artisanship necessary to craft items from a material so precious. Khmer silver has a long history as one of the most luxurious materials, with firm place in Cambodian culture.
The silversmith art form reached its height during the 11th century: when primarily Royalty and the upper class used the crafted objects for ceremonial purposes, funerary and religious rituals. Ornate filigree work became their trademark area of expertise and it is one that continues right up until the present day. Their intricate designs echo the friezes and carvings at the Angkorian temples in Cambodia. Craftsmen produce all kinds of silver objects ranging from silver boxes, images of the Buddha to funerary jars, chopsticks, cutlery and jewellery. In a more modern Cambodia, in a typical shop house, about a hundred metres north west of the Central Market, the owner hoped that he could make a living by selling silver jewellery.