Description
This book explores the terracotta art of Majapahit, a hitherto neglected aspect of ancient lavanese art, sadly overlooked because of an attitude which relegated it to a lesser art.
It starts with a general look at Majapahit and highlights the aspects important to understand the cultural background that inspires this art These are the study of Majapahit, its political and social background, and the artistic sphere that sets the stage for the terracotta art. The versatility of material and ingenious way of resolving artistic problems is also examined. The scattered figurines are then classified into categories, and a network of relationships by which to read the Majapahit civilization is then constructed.
Through analysis of the technical aspects which point to a highly sensitive and versatile way of interpreting a subject-matter, and through examination of literature and the study of temple reliefs, two broad categories are defined. One in which the objects are inspired by literary sources, and another in which the objects are created as a result of direct observation. The sub-categories which emerge within these two main categories define Majapahit's broad range of interest: fashion, foreigners, spiritual matters, vendors, entertainers, common people. noble persons, children. animals, and buildings. The function of these figurines, as architectural decoration, as money- banks, or toys, suggest a wide range of patrons aristocrats who adorn their pavillions with terracotta sculptures, and common people who cherished the simpler figurines.
