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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

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15th Century Majapahit Terracotta Handmaiden Figure (Woman Holding Her Hair)
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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...
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