Java Bronze Ghanta - Java - 19th c. - 15.5 cm

02
days
20
hours
00
minutes
02
seconds
Current bid
€ 270
Reserve price met
Peter Reynaers
Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers

Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.

Estimate  € 350 - € 600
FR
€270
IT
€2
IT
€1

Catawiki Buyer Protection

Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details

Trustpilot 4.4 | 144426 reviews

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.

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 encrustations of iron oxides.
Dimensions: Height: 15.5 cm x Diameter: 6.5 cm.

This work bears witness to the persistence of metallurgical tradition of Hindu-Buddhist influence in Java. The craftsman reinterprets here, in a provincial and expressionist manner, the formal canons of the great medieval classical periods of Javanese art in central and eastern Java.

The bell is surmounted by a handle adorned with a fully relief sculpted figure. The lower part of the robe presents a slightly flared profile, rhythmized by a series of horizontal concentric moldings in slight relief at its base. The shoulder of the robe is distinguished by a discreet frieze of stylized geometric motifs.

The handgrip takes the form of a Singa (mythical lion of the Javanese area), depicted in a semi-anthropomorphic posture. The creature is shown standing on its hind legs, upright on a circular molded pedestal. The stout body shows a stylized treatment of musculature. The head bears the characteristic features of the guardian beast with wide globular eyes, massive jaws with visible fangs and a mane textured in thick volutes. Its forearms are raised vigorously upward, an apotropaic gesture traditionally meant to ward off malign influences. The top of the Singa's head is crowned by a coronally projecting protuberance that extends into a large suspension ring of circular profile. This ring allowed slipping in, attaching a suspension cord.

Condition: Pronounced surface oxidation, presence of a ferruginous alteration crust of earthy appearance (which may result from a long period in burial context). Very heterogeneous patina ranging from dark brown to ochre-orange. Small chips. The strong presence of iron oxidation on a copper alloy attests to the piece's particular exposure conditions or abandonment, giving it today this archaeological and raw aspect, which hides 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 Translate

Ritual bell Ghanta with Singa
Indonesia, probably Java Island
19th century or earlier
Copper alloy (lost-wax cast bronze) with significant encrustations of iron oxides.
Dimensions: Height: 15.5 cm x Diameter: 6.5 cm.

This work bears witness to the persistence of metallurgical tradition of Hindu-Buddhist influence in Java. The craftsman reinterprets here, in a provincial and expressionist manner, the formal canons of the great medieval classical periods of Javanese art in central and eastern Java.

The bell is surmounted by a handle adorned with a fully relief sculpted figure. The lower part of the robe presents a slightly flared profile, rhythmized by a series of horizontal concentric moldings in slight relief at its base. The shoulder of the robe is distinguished by a discreet frieze of stylized geometric motifs.

The handgrip takes the form of a Singa (mythical lion of the Javanese area), depicted in a semi-anthropomorphic posture. The creature is shown standing on its hind legs, upright on a circular molded pedestal. The stout body shows a stylized treatment of musculature. The head bears the characteristic features of the guardian beast with wide globular eyes, massive jaws with visible fangs and a mane textured in thick volutes. Its forearms are raised vigorously upward, an apotropaic gesture traditionally meant to ward off malign influences. The top of the Singa's head is crowned by a coronally projecting protuberance that extends into a large suspension ring of circular profile. This ring allowed slipping in, attaching a suspension cord.

Condition: Pronounced surface oxidation, presence of a ferruginous alteration crust of earthy appearance (which may result from a long period in burial context). Very heterogeneous patina ranging from dark brown to ochre-orange. Small chips. The strong presence of iron oxidation on a copper alloy attests to the piece's particular exposure conditions or abandonment, giving it today this archaeological and raw aspect, which hides 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 Translate

Details

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
PortugalVerified
226
Objects sold
100%
protop

Disclaimer

The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.

The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.

Similar objects

  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​

For you in

Archaeology

  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​