Java Bronze Ghanta - Java - 19th c. - 15.5 cm
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€ 6
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 350 - € 600
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| €5 |
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Ghanta - Java - 19th c. is a bronze ritual bell with a Singa handle, measuring 15.5 cm in height and 6.5 cm in diameter, of Java culture with authentic original status and good condition, acquired from a private collection in Belgium and now part of Kanaka The Collection, Portugal.
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Description from the seller
Ritual bell Ghanta with Singa
Indonesia, probably Java Island
19th century or earlier
Copper alloy (lost-wax cast bronze) with significant iron oxide concretions.
Dimensions: Height: 15.5 cm x Diameter: 6.5 cm.
This work testifies to the persistence of metallurgical tradition influenced by Hindu-Buddhist influence in Java. The craftsman here reinterprets, in a provincial and expressionist manner, the formal canons of the great medieval classical periods of central and eastern Javanese art.
The bell is topped by a handle adorned with a figure sculpted in high relief. The lower part of the robe presents a slightly flared profile, rhythmized by a series of horizontal concentric moldings in shallow relief at its base. The shoulder of the robe is distinguished by a discreet frieze of stylized geometric motifs.
The gripping handle adopts the form of a Singa (mythical lion of the Javanese area), depicted in a semi-anthropomorphic posture. The creature stands on its hind legs, perched on a circular moulded base. The stout body shows a stylized treatment of the musculature. The head features the characteristic traits of the guardian beast with large globular eyes, massive jaws with visible fangs, and a mane of thick volutes. Its forelimbs are vigorously raised upward, a traditional apotropaic gesture intended to ward off negative influences. The top of the Singa's head is crowned with a coronally shaped protuberance that extends into an important circular suspension ring. This ring allowed slipping it and attaching a suspension cord.
Conservation status: Pronounced surface oxidation, presence of a ferruginous alteration crust of earthy appearance (which may result from a long burial context). Very heterogeneous patina ranging from dark brown to ochre-orange. Small chips. The strong presence of iron oxidation on a copper alloy testifies to particular exposure or abandonment conditions, giving the piece today its archaeological and raw appearance, which conceals the original fineness of the chasing beneath a living mineral crust.
Provenance: Kanaka The Collection, Portugal
Seller's Story
Kanaka The Collection is a Portugal-based web gallery specialising in Asian art, with a particular focus on the arts of Southeast Asia.
With over 20 years of experience and passion for Asian art, we offer a carefully curated selection of sculptures, ceramics and works of art from across Asia, chosen for their artistic quality, authenticity and historical interest.
Every piece is professionally packed, and we ship worldwide to collectors and institutions.
We remain personally available to collectors before and after each acquisition.
Translated by Google TranslateRitual bell Ghanta with Singa
Indonesia, probably Java Island
19th century or earlier
Copper alloy (lost-wax cast bronze) with significant iron oxide concretions.
Dimensions: Height: 15.5 cm x Diameter: 6.5 cm.
This work testifies to the persistence of metallurgical tradition influenced by Hindu-Buddhist influence in Java. The craftsman here reinterprets, in a provincial and expressionist manner, the formal canons of the great medieval classical periods of central and eastern Javanese art.
The bell is topped by a handle adorned with a figure sculpted in high relief. The lower part of the robe presents a slightly flared profile, rhythmized by a series of horizontal concentric moldings in shallow relief at its base. The shoulder of the robe is distinguished by a discreet frieze of stylized geometric motifs.
The gripping handle adopts the form of a Singa (mythical lion of the Javanese area), depicted in a semi-anthropomorphic posture. The creature stands on its hind legs, perched on a circular moulded base. The stout body shows a stylized treatment of the musculature. The head features the characteristic traits of the guardian beast with large globular eyes, massive jaws with visible fangs, and a mane of thick volutes. Its forelimbs are vigorously raised upward, a traditional apotropaic gesture intended to ward off negative influences. The top of the Singa's head is crowned with a coronally shaped protuberance that extends into an important circular suspension ring. This ring allowed slipping it and attaching a suspension cord.
Conservation status: Pronounced surface oxidation, presence of a ferruginous alteration crust of earthy appearance (which may result from a long burial context). Very heterogeneous patina ranging from dark brown to ochre-orange. Small chips. The strong presence of iron oxidation on a copper alloy testifies to particular exposure or abandonment conditions, giving the piece today its archaeological and raw appearance, which conceals the original fineness of the chasing beneath a living mineral crust.
Provenance: Kanaka The Collection, Portugal
Seller's Story
Kanaka The Collection is a Portugal-based web gallery specialising in Asian art, with a particular focus on the arts of Southeast Asia.
With over 20 years of experience and passion for Asian art, we offer a carefully curated selection of sculptures, ceramics and works of art from across Asia, chosen for their artistic quality, authenticity and historical interest.
Every piece is professionally packed, and we ship worldwide to collectors and institutions.
We remain personally available to collectors before and after each acquisition.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Java
Century/timeframe
19th c. ou antérieur
Name of object
Ghanta - Java - 19th c.
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Belgium
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
15.5 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1987
Width
6.5 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Belgium
Depth
6.5 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
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