Javanese (Art)

This page is all about the Javanese Civilization.

10 Pieces of art:

1. Four Deities from a Vajradhatu (Diamond World) Mandala















These figurines depict the two of the five wisdom Buddhas residing in a place known as Vajradhatu (diamond realm). This place is a popular subject for mandalas and the core for many Buddhist rituals that occurred in Indonesia. These were also made around the end of the 10th century CE. 

Source: https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hi/hi_easternjava.htm

2. Shadow Puppet

This puppet depicts the giant Kumbakarana from the Indian version of Ramayana. In the tale, he is the brother of Rahwana and both of them go off to face Rama because they have always been enemies and both brothers end up dying in a final battle against them. Puppets like these are still popular today and used to tell this story at marriages and other ceremonies. This particular one was created in the 19th century CE. 

Source: http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/asia/s/shadow_puppet.aspx

3. Javanese Textile

This is an example of one of the textiles that the island of Java is known for. In this area, the process of patterning cloth through the application of wax is extremely complex and the inspiration of these designs illustrate the blending of cultures from all over. Java has been a center for many different peoples such as early Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms in the center of Java, a small Muslim population, some communities of Chinese emigrants, and even small groups of European colonists. These merging cultures can be seen in the textiles through symbols and patterns. This was created around  1930-1950.

Source: http://www.asianart.org/exhibitions_index/batik--2

4. Prajnaparamita

Prajnaparamita is the term for wisdom or learning, as this sculpture is that of the goddess of transcendental wisdom. The position of the hands represents the "wheel of turning" representing the turn of the dharma from the Buddha's teachings. This was created in the 13th century CE.

Source: http://7junipers.com/log/prajnaparamita/

5. Column surround with pensive woman

This sculpture is molded from clay and believed to be depicting a popular legend from the time and even could be included in a popular narrative series. She is dressed in a Majapahit orthodox fashion and looks really disappointed.

Source: https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1992.151

6. Posthumous Portrait of a queen as Parvati

This portrait displays that the Javanese people often believed that their rulers come from divine origins. Although the queen in this sculpture is unknown, she is displayed as the Hindu goddess Parvati. The figure on the left with the elephant head is Ganesha, the god who controls obstacles and the figure to her right is the right is Karttika, the god of war.

Source: https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/2001.407

7. The Buddhist Guardian Mahabala

This bronze figurine depicts Mahabala, the conquerer of the lord and death, an important person in the Buddhist faith. He is shown as a fierce deity, perhaps to signify death. He has six faces, six legs, and twelve arms, with the all of the faces representing different feelings such as wrathful, fanged, and terrifying. Only one face is smiling in this whole artifact and is at the base of the figure.

Source:  https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1995.570.4

8. Seated Female Ascetic

Many small bronze sculptures were found during the Majapahit period. No one quite knows what these were used for but historians speculate that they could have been used as dolls or substitutions for certain individuals during ceremonies and rituals. She has a peaceful expression and heavy-lidded downcast eyes.Source: https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1997.435

9.  Buddha Amitabha

The Buddha shown here is in a very peaceful meditation pose, with his hands in a position known as dhyana-mudra. Its facial and body features are all strict in accordance to canonical texts, while the round face is an exclusive feature of the Javanese people. This is also one of 504 statues of the Buddha from the Buddhist sanctuary of Borobudur.

Source: http://www.museumnasional.or.id/collections/arkeologi/570.html

10. Patchwork Batik

This patchwork is an example of the art that the Javanese people are known for. Chinese and Indian culture can be seen in this piece of art as well and some historians believe that this particular piece was inspired by the clothes of the poor, promoting reunification.
Source: http://www.museumnasional.or.id/collections/etnografi/1030.html