Lot 311
**Originally Listed At $300**
Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Majapahit Empire, ca. 14th to 15th century CE. A compelling pair of terracotta heads from the Majapahit Empire, each modeled with serene features and the soft introspection characteristic of Javanese devotional art. Both faces embody the quiet spirituality and refined craftsmanship of East Java's late Hindu-Buddhist period. The head on the left bears a high coiffure parted into elegant twin crests, while the companion displays a smooth crown and finely delineated eyes, their lids half-closed in meditation. Archaeological finds across the region surrounding the ancient Majapahit capital of Trowulan have yielded numerous similar heads, often detached from their bodies. These range in size from 3 to 10 cm and display distinctly Javanese features - high cheekbones, almond eyes, stylized hair, and ear ornaments. Size of bald head: 3" L x 3.2" W x 4.1" H (7.6 cm x 8.1 cm x 10.4 cm); of horned head: 2.8" L x 2.9" W x 4.1" H (7.1 cm x 7.4 cm x 10.4 cm); 5" H (12.7 cm) on included custom stand.
The preponderance of separated heads and headless torsos has long puzzled scholars, some of whom suggest these were intentionally decapitated in ritual offerings. Echoes of such traditions survive in contemporary Bali, where small clay figures are still fashioned, unfired, and left in rice fields to return to the earth.
Most Majapahit terracotta heads are solid, though thin-walled examples occasionally appear. The more elaborate coiffures, such as the one seen here, are thought to represent women of noble or divine status, their ornamentation symbolizing refinement and spiritual virtue. Together, these fragments capture both the devotional artistry and the lingering mystery of Majapahit ritual life - fragile yet enduring emissaries of a vanished empire whose influence still hums through the cultural memory of Indonesia.
Provenance: private Fort Collins, Colorado, USA collection; ex-Harmer, Rooke Numismatists, Ltd., New York, New York, USA, September 29, 1977, Lot 273
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#196249
- Condition: Horned head has been professionally repaired with restoration over some break lines, while other break lines are visible in areas. Bald head is intact. Both have expected surface wear with some nicks and abrasions, but otherwise have nice presentation with good detail and scattered earthen deposits.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |