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






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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 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
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
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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.
