A Majapahit Kingdom – one of the last major Hindu empires of the Malay archipelago – in eastern Java from 1293 to around 1500. The Majapahit society developed a high degree of sophistication in both commercial and artistic activities . . . yielding a cosmopolitan population where literature and art flourished. Based in eastern Java, the empire also dominated other kingdoms from the southern Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Sumatra, Bali, Kalimantan . . . . to eastern Indonesia and the Philippines.
Regarding this “fragment head”: the art is very much Majapahit. The material is sandstone, different from the terracotta used in many Majapahit masterpieces. A sandstone sculpture – like this – probably was from Bali . . . as indicated by the estate managers of the Kansas City Missouri prolific collector and world traveler. It is very likely a fragment of a full statue from a Majapahit temple or – at the very least – a religious shrine commonly attached to a larger building.
As you can see, part of the jaw is missing but the rest of this solid sandstone sculpture is detailed and in perfect condition. I added a substantial base that would better support its weight.
There is so much history surrounding fragments like this. It makes a stunning display piece . . . representing a powerful and unknown – especially by Westerners – empire in southeast Asia.
Black wood base in included. No other stands are, however. Head alone: 6.5″ tall x 6″ wide x 6″ deep. On base: 16″ tall. For the Serious Collector.