The Indonesian Bronzes at Museum Volkenkunde

 

Two ornaments of a bird and a mythical creature/bird with curly tail
Java | 800 - 1000
On loan from the Association of Friends of Asian Art (bequest Maartje Draak, 1996)
© Rijksmuseum

 
 
 

The Indonesian Bronzes

Through August 22, 2022

 
 

The bronze images provide a wealth of information about the history of Indonesia. Not only about artistic developments but also the meaning of rituals, the use of materials, trade relations, economic developments and the colonial past. These are small images of Hindu and Buddhist gods and ritual objects. Most of them were found on Java but do not originate from there. Not surprising really, given that Java has never been rich in metals.

The sculptures are centuries old: they were made between the 8th and 15th centuries. Java was a Hindu and Buddhist centre in that period. From the 5th century Indian culture had an enormous appeal in parts of Indonesia. Local rulers started using Sanskrit, the language of the Indian elite and founded Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms. Between the 7th and 15th centuries a flourishing culture developed on Java, leaving us spectacular monuments, like the Buddhist Borobudur and the Hindu temple of Prambanan. Cultural connection, exchange of knowledge and trading contacts had long been the order of the day in this region.

 
 
 

Exhibition Preview

 

Mold for a Votive Tablet
Jawa Tengah (Province) | Semarang (Regency)
© Nationaal Museum van Wereldculturen

Kama Astride a Lotus Blossom
Jawa | 850-900 A.D.
© Nationaal Museum van Wereldculturen

Indo Javanese Zodiac Beaker
Jawa | 1300-1450
© Nationaal Museum van Wereldculturen

Padmapani / Avalokiteshvara
Jawa Tengah (Province) | 700-900 A.D.
© Nationaal Museum van Wereldculturen

Buddha Sakyamuni
Jawa | 700-900 A.D.
© Nationaal Museum van Wereldculturen

Vairocana and his Consort
Jawa Timur (Province) | 900-950
© Nationaal Museum van Wereldculturen

Preaching Buddha | Sakyamuni 
Jawa Tengah (Province) | 700-900 A.D.
© Nationaal Museum van Wereldculturen

Vishnu with Garuda
Jawa Tengah (Province) | 800-1000
© Nationaal Museum van Wereldculturen

Vajra
Jawa | 800-900 A.D.
© Nationaal Museum van Wereldculturen

Ratnasambhawa
Jawa Tengah (Province) / Purworejo (Regency) / Bagelen
800-1000 A.D.
© Nationaal Museum van Wereldculturen

Priest’s Bell
Tengger People 
Java | Before 1892
© Nationaal Museum van Wereldculturen

Amitabha Buddha
Jawa | 900-1000 A.D.
© Nationaal Museum van Wereldculturen

Offering Tray
Jawa | 1200-1300 A.D.
© Nationaal Museum van Wereldculturen

 
 

© KVVAK