Help me find Khmer Rouge survivor/family (hopefully)

Onawildgoosechase · Post by **Onawildgoosechase** » Sun Apr 18, 2021 6:42 pm

Someone directed me here from Reddit - I'm on a wild hunt. My great grandmother purchased a silver elephant betel box in we believe Siam Reap in 1969 (possibly also Phnom Penh, we are confused.) I'm trying to insert an image, for some reason it won't allow me to. The receipt reads "CAMBODIAN ART
ARGENTERIE ET PRODUITS ARTISANAUX CAMBODIGENS
25, Quai Norodom - Tel. 2306
Siam Reap - Angkor
Cambodge"

If anyone wants to see an image as I feel the words likely aren't sufficient, send me an email at [email protected]

I know this is a long shot, as many artists did not survive the regime. If there's even the slightest, wildest chance they have surviving family, I want desperately to find them. Any ideas on what to do, where to ask, I'm all ears! Thanks

Anchor Moy · Post by **Anchor Moy** » Sun Apr 18, 2021 7:45 pm

Hi OP,
Sorry, I don't have any info for you, but is this the sort of silver box that you are referring to ?

From the internet.

Spoiler:

Maybe try to contact the association Artisans d'Angkor in Siem Reap ? They might have contacts who could identify your object and the craftsman.
Artisans d'Angkor (translated)

Brassware had practically disappeared from Cambodia for a few centuries. Artisans d'Angkor decided in the mid-2000s to extend its skills to this ancestral craft. To make a silver metal box, craftsmen must shape the thick pieces of copper that make up the upper and lower parts. The upper part is cut following a die and then hammered until the craftsman obtains the required quality. The same process applies for the lower part, so the two pieces must fit together perfectly to create a box. Each piece is then finely carved and decorated. The product is finished by immersing it in a silver bath to give it all its shine and silvery reflections

https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artisans_d%27Angkor

Get in Touch
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (+855) 63 963 330
Fax: (+855) 63 964 097

Anyway, best of luck on your quest.

Jack.R. · Post by **Jack.R.** » Sun Apr 18, 2021 8:11 pm

Post more information about your family.
I think it might be possible to trace down someone if you can provide some more details.
I doubt the elephant will mean much on it's own.

John Bingham · Post by **John Bingham** » Mon Apr 19, 2021 1:21 am

This type of object would typically not be made by an "artist" as such. It would be a copy made by a craftsman or artisan.In this case, no offense it's just a poor reproduction for the tourist market .

Compare it to a well crafted betel box from the 19th century: