Bronze Head of Vishnu, Java, Majapahit tradition, possibly 14th–16th century
Guide price: €5,850
A bronze head of a crowned Hindu deity, likely Vishnu, executed in a Javanese style aligning with the Majapahit tradition. The fragment possesses a high crown, a calm facial expression, elongated earlobes, and a heavily oxidized surface with a deep greenish-blue verdigris patina.
The underside is irregular and severely fractured, indicating that the head originally formed part of a larger statue. The fracture extends high into the neck and chin zone and does not appear to be the result of neat later work, but rather of an older, violent removal.
The surface shows layered corrosion with greenish-blue malachite-like zones, dark brown oxidation, and localized reddish-brown cuprite-like underlayers. In a few protected zones, small gold-colored remnants are visible, possibly originating from old gilding or the original copper alloy.
The interior shows dark oxidation, mineral deposits, and an earthy odor consistent with prolonged damp storage or soil contact. The patina reacts hardly at all under UV light, making modern lacquer or resin layers less likely.
The head can be stylistically placed within the broader Javanese Hindu-Buddhist image tradition. The identification as Vishnu is supported by the crowned headdress and the divine, non-monastic appearance of the face.
Details
| Object |
Head fragment of a crowned deity |
| Presentation |
Probably Vishnu |
| Origin |
Java, Indonesia |
| Tradition |
Majapahit tradition |
| Dating |
Possibly 14th–16th century |
| Material |
Copper alloy / bronze |
| Condition |
Fragmentary, with old break on the underside and heavy natural corrosion |
| Details |
Layered verdigris patina, dark internal oxidation, mineral deposits and possible traces of old gilding |
