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Subject:18th c. Indonesian Ganesh?
Posted By: Adam Wed, Jan 21, 2004

I have in my possession an old Ganesh statue which I hope will be of interest to you. The piece is supposedly Indonesian in origin, circa 18th century, and was created for temple use. That is the extent of what I have been told about it. I have tried to research it a bit in order to verify the claims made of it to no avail.

It was given to me by a woman whose acquaintance I made in Berkeley, CA last year. Her name escapes me now and I have lost her contact information, but she was a scholar of Judaism and a representative to the Parliament of World Religions. She gave the piece to me, as she was clearing her home of all objects not connected with her tradition. It had been given to her as a gift while she was at the Parliament several years prior. I am inclined to believe her claims.

So, what can you perhaps tell me about this statue? Is there any truth in the story that concerns the origin of it? Has it any monetary or art history value? Please tell me what you can about it or kindly direct me to someone who may be able to help. It would be most appreciated.







Subject:Re: 18th c. Indonesian Ganesh?
Posted By: Anthony M. Lee Mon, Feb 09, 2004

The style of the piece has related forms as early as late Majapahit period, but there are problems with the piece. First of all the colouration of the statue is not traditional, and though possibly from Bali (the last bastionof Agama Hinduism) in the Indonesian archipelago, it would not have been made in Java in the 18th century as the area was Muslim. The big Kirttimukata on the back of the head which would not be there in early bronzes so prominently is very typical of Balinese design and this is likely where it comes from. Possibly a tourist piece from the early 20th century given the size, possibly even for a domestic shrine.

Anthony M. Lee
Asian Art Research

Subject:Re: Re: 18th c. Indonesian Ganesh?
Posted By: Aminuddin Sat, Feb 14, 2004

Hi, I have several style of Ganesh sculpture where they was made in Mojokerto (East Java) for souvenir or gifts.

I have ever talked with direct craftman of Ganesh sculptures like this. However, as Anthony said that Java would not have made this sculpture is incorrect opinion. Eventhough, the majority of Javanese are muslim, but proselytizer of Islam (Wali Songo) in 14th to 16th centuries conducted missionary endeavor through Art of Wayang (puppets), sculpture, and another media. Please note that these Wali Songo (Nine Proselytizers) were Chinese Muslim who were tolerant of the art works media, not like the Muslim from Persia or Arab.

Until now, many muslim craftmen made these sculptures, puppets and another media without prohibition from the teachers of Islam.

Subject:Re: Re: 18th c. Indonesian Ganesh
Posted By: Anthony M. Lee Sat, Feb 14, 2004

The main point is that this small piece is a devotional image, and as such is very unlikely to have been made in Java after the 15th century. Although earlier hindu and budhist imagery was certainly used widely in keraton architecture and decorative arts during the Muslim period, this was not in the form of devotional images, but as decorative motif in furniture, vessels, architectural mountings, weapons, etc.

Anthony M. Lee
Asian Art Research

Subject:Re: Re: Re: 18th c. Indonesian Ganesh
Posted By: Aminuddin Sat, Feb 14, 2004

The appearance of this sculpture face usually placed on gate of Keraton (Palace) gate of Java Kingdoms, but it is very different gilding and work. Especially, the pedestal of this piece is not similar with the original one,which is now preserved in the Central National Museum, Jakarta. This piece is poor quality appearance comparing to the original one.

I state that there a lot of this kinds of modern pieces have been sold in Yongjakarta (Middle Java), Mojokerto (East Java) and another areas visited by tourists. I do not belive that this piece was made at 18th century because at that time the works of art in Java was bloomed, supported by Dutch experts.

Subject:Re: 18th c. Indonesian Ganesh
Posted By: Amir Sidharta Sun, Jul 19, 2015

In my opinion, it might well be made on Java in the 18th or 19th century as a folk art piece or even a 20th century touristic piece.
Although most Javanese embraced islam, the craftspersons kept creating sculptures of Hindu denomination as a cultural piece and not as a religious piece.


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