Items Similar to 15th Century Majapahit Terracotta Handmaiden Figure (Fertile Woman with Child)
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 21
15th Century Majapahit Terracotta Handmaiden Figure (Fertile Woman with Child)
$7,570.33
$9,462.9120% Off
£5,660.90
£7,076.1320% Off
€6,320
€7,90020% Off
CA$10,430.02
CA$13,037.5320% Off
A$11,375.40
A$14,219.2520% Off
CHF 6,025.92
CHF 7,532.4020% Off
MX$136,374.93
MX$170,468.6720% Off
NOK 76,743.45
NOK 95,929.3120% Off
SEK 70,176.19
SEK 87,720.2420% Off
DKK 48,160.92
DKK 60,201.1520% Off
About the Item
Immerse yourself in the captivating legacy of the Majapahit Empire with this rare and beautifully preserved 15th-century terracotta handmaiden figure. Depicting a fertile woman tenderly holding her child, this evocative sculpture symbolizes the deep-rooted cultural values of fertility, family, and domestic protection that were integral to Majapahit society. These figures were often kept in households as guardians of the hearth, believed to bring prosperity and ensure the well-being of the family.
This statue radiates a sense of ancient spirituality and reverence. Its connection to both the sacred and the everyday life of Majapahit culture makes it a fascinating piece for collectors and historians alike.
Hailing from the esteemed Trowulan region in East Java, this rare piece has journeyed through centuries before finding its place in the private collection of Anacleto Spazzapan. Documented in the Majapahit catalog on page 144 as figure number 11, it has been meticulously studied and authenticated by Professor Agus Aris Munandar, a prominent authority in Indonesian archaeology.
Professor Munandar, born in 1959, is currently the professor of Indonesian Archaeology at the University of Indonesia in Jakarta. His extensive research focuses on Hindu-Buddhist archaeology, iconography, and the ancient history of Indonesia and Southeast Asia. He served as a member of the Indonesian team of experts at National Cultural Heritage from 2015 to 2018 and previously held the role of Head of Institute and Research at the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Indonesia. Now the head of the Department of Archaeology at the University of Indonesia, Professor Munandar has authored numerous articles and 19 books, many of which delve into Majapahit culture and artifacts, solidifying his reputation as a leading scholar in the field.
Professor Munandar's endorsement, complemented by a preface from Professor Massimo Vidale of the University of Padua, offers invaluable insights into the religious and decorative significance of Majapahit terracotta artifacts. Professor Vidale, an esteemed teacher of archaeological research methodology and oriental archaeology at the Department of Cultural Heritage of the University of Padua, boasts extensive experience in archaeological expeditions across the Near East, Central Asia, and North Africa. He participated in an archaeological mission to Java and is the author of numerous specialized books and articles based on his research findings.
Despite its age, this terracotta handmaiden figure remains remarkably well-preserved, thanks to a meticulous conservation restoration. It comes with a certificate of authenticity, guaranteeing its provenance and historical significance.
With its dimensions of 64 cm in height and 28 cm in diameter, this majestic sculpture commands attention, whether showcased as a striking centerpiece in a modern or eclectic setting or elevated on a pedestal as a museum-worthy masterpiece. This timeless artifact not only enriches the aesthetic of any space but also serves as a lasting symbol of protection, fertility, and prosperity.
- Dimensions:Height: 25.2 in (64 cm)Diameter: 11.03 in (28 cm)
- Style:Folk Art (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1500
- Condition:Repaired. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Despite its age, this terracotta handmaiden figure remains remarkably well-preserved, thanks to a meticulous conservation restoration.
- Seller Location:Brescia, IT
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU8256241423742
About the Seller
5.0
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2022
1stDibs seller since 2023
104 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Bagnolo Mella, Italy
- Return Policy
More From This Seller
View All15th Century Majapahit Terracotta Handmaiden Figure (Woman Holding Her Hair)
Located in Brescia, Brescia
The sculpture captures a moment of serene grace, as the woman delicately holds her hair with her right hand, exuding an air of elegance rarely found in similar works. What makes this piece particularly unique is its unusual coloration: unlike most terracotta figures, which typically exhibit reddish-brown tones, this figure has darkened over time to a striking grey-black-brown hue. This transformation occurred due to centuries of submersion in the mud of the Brantas River, where the natural elements enriched the statue with its distinct coloration (refer to the photos of discoveries during the extraction of other statues, as seen on pages 16-17 of the catalog).
Originating from the Trowulan region in East Java, this handmaiden figure is documented on page 161 as figure number 28 in the Majapahit catalog and stands as a rare example of terracotta craftsmanship from this ancient civilization. The piece has been carefully studied and authenticated by Professor Agus Aris Munandar, a distinguished scholar in Indonesian archaeology.
Professor Munandar, born in 1959, is currently the professor of Indonesian Archaeology at the University of Indonesia in Jakarta. His extensive research focuses on Hindu-Buddhist archaeology, iconography, and the ancient history of Indonesia and Southeast Asia. He served as a member of the Indonesian team of experts at National Cultural Heritage from 2015 to 2018 and previously held the role of Head of Institute and Research at the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Indonesia. Now the head of the Department of Archaeology at the University of Indonesia, Professor Munandar has authored numerous articles and 19 books, many of which delve into Majapahit culture and artifacts, solidifying his reputation as a leading scholar in the field.
This extraordinary figure is accompanied by a preface from Professor Massimo Vidale of the University of Padua, who offers invaluable insights into the significance of Majapahit terracotta...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Javanese Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Terracotta
$6,803 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of hand-sculpted terracotta figures by ceramic artist Saverio Farci, 1960s
By Farci Saverio
Located in Brescia, Brescia
A stunning pair of hand-modeled terracotta sculptures by the Sardinian master ceramist Saverio Farci, representing a man and a woman. Each piece is entirely handmade, displaying Farc...
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Terracotta
Beautiful Pair of Handcrafted Lady Figurines by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, 1970s
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Brescia, Brescia
Beautiful Pair of Handcrafted Lady Figurines by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, 1970s
This exquisite pair of handcrafted lady figurines, designed by Aldo Londi for Bitossi in the 1970s, sho...
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Abstract Decorative Glazed Ceramic Vase Sculpture by Pupo Gino, 1940s, Italy
Located in Brescia, Brescia
This extraordinary abstract decorative vase sculpture, crafted by the talented Italian artist Pupo Gino in the 1940s, is a stunning example of mid-20th-century ceramic artistry. The ...
Category
Vintage 1940s Italian Art Nouveau Vases
Materials
Ceramic
1950s Brutalist Ceramic Jug by C.A.S. Vietri – Gray and Earth Tone Glaze
By C.A.S. Vietri
Located in Brescia, Brescia
This striking Brutalist ceramic jug from the 1950s, crafted by C.A.S. Vietri, embodies the raw, textured allure of mid-century design. The jug is finished with a distinctive "drop gl...
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery
Materials
Ceramic
Hand-Painted Ceramic "Amphora" Czech Riser with Precious Gem Accents, 1930s
Located in Brescia, Brescia
A stunning hand-painted ceramic riser hailing from the renowned Amphora Czech workshops. Crafted with precision and adorned with exquisite hand-painted g...
Category
Vintage 1930s Czech Art Deco Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
You May Also Like
19th century Antique pottery Parvaty statue from India
Located in DEVENTER, NL
Antique pottery Parvaty statue
Material: Pottery
13,5 cm high
12 cm wide and 7,6 cm deep
19th century
Weight: 424 grams
Originating from India
Category
Antique 19th Century Indian Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Pottery
Pottery Figure Seductress
Dancer Lady, Han Style Terracotta
Located in Miami, FL
A fantastic Han style terracotta figure. Such a figure is seen in the Han dynasty dating 206 BC-220 AD. The figure is of an alluring girl who is in a showing his suit. She has a full...
Category
Late 20th Century Asian Han Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Terracotta
Indian Goddess Figurine Statue
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautifully authentic hand carved statue of an Indian deity goddess. Distressed paint finish.
Category
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Indian Folk Art Sculptures
Materials
Paint
18th Century, Antique Burmese Wooden Seated Figure of Lady Holding Lotus
Located in Sampantawong, TH
Antique Burmese wooden seated figure of lady holding lotus.
Age: Burma, 18th Century
Size: Height 55.4 C.M. / Width 18.5 C.M. / Depth 16.5 C.M.
Condition: Some expected degradation ...
Category
Antique 18th Century Burmese Antiquities
Materials
Wood
$920 Sale Price
20% Off
Large early 19th Century Khmer Terracotta Figure
Located in Shipston-On-Stour, GB
A very rare larger than life size late C18th/early C19th terracotta figure of a male diety, in the Khmer style, the figure sitting in a relaxed pose, with hair tied up and a serene c...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Cambodian Tibetan Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Terracotta
Terra Cotta Fertility Figure - Made in Turkey
Located in Fairfield, CA
A vintage terra cotta pottery figurative sculpture of a seated fertility goddess. Made in Kula, Turkey by replica artist S. Askit and marked on the base.
Category
Late 20th Century Turkish Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Pottery
More Ways To Browse
Terracotta Figural
Indonesia Jakarta
Terracotta Woman
Terracotta Child
Museum Pedestal
Majapahit Terracotta
Han Dynasty Pot
Korean Buddha
Mandalay Wood Figure
Yuan Celadon
Chinese Bronze Wine Vessel
Chinese Coconut
Conch Trumpet
Japanese Wood Plate
Taiwan Coral
Vintage Japanese Paper Fan
Antique Kanzashi
Antique Wooden Rabbit













