The First Royal Apsara
The book documents her dedication to the royal ballet, the arts, and the efforts she put into its preservation for future generations to learn again; likening it to the foundational Cambodian classical dance forms. These forms embody elements of the floral cycle: from seed to fruit to flower, then eventually returning to its roots to begin again.
Princess Norodom Buppha Devi's portrayal of the White Apsara serves as the inspiration and focal point for the cover art. Based on her name, meaning 'flower goddess', she is surrounded by a variety of flowers and plants while she, as the White Apsara, dances. To mimic the feeling of nostalgia one gets from a memory or through reading an old diary, it includes the texts and old photographs of her royal highness's life and achievements.
