Earth Art
The word Earth is actually synonymous both with the Globe, the third planet in our solar system, in addition to the stuff in which lies beneath our feet often referred to by the less prosaic name dirt. Earth comes in myriad forms in addition to colours. As far as art is actually concerned, the most important of these is actually Clay, a type of earth in which results by a mixture of metal oxides, organic materials in addition to water in which result in both cohesiveness in addition to a plasticity in which allows This kind of to be easily moulded into fantastic shapes. This kind of characteristic might be of no real consequence except for the remarkable chemical reaction in which occurs when This kind of is actually heated. While you can make beautiful things with clay, they are highly fragile in addition to impermanent. Water in addition to the elements quickly return This kind of to its original lumpy state.
In Indonesia terracotta goes back at least 5,000 years to the Late Neolithic period. Here, too, This kind of was used to make pots in addition to vessels. As in Japan, elaborate beauties used in rites connected with ancestor worship also soon appeared. The art of terracotta is actually found throughout the Archipelago. Water vessels, ritual, symbolic in addition to practical, were of especial importance. Many display distinct forms in which make This kind of easy to know their place of origin.
By far the most important of these are kendi, a unique spouted drinking vessel used to hold liquids. Some scholars believe in which kendi originated with an Indian water vessel known as the kundika. Usually held by Batara Guru, an incarnation of Siwa, This kind of can be seen in 9th century Javanese statues. Kendi were not only wonderfully shaped, although also served a practical purpose from the Hindu period because they could be shared by peoples of all castes in addition to ranks because the liquid never touches the lips of the drinker although is actually rather poured into the mouth via the spout, thus avoiding spiritual pollution. They are so endemic in addition to so unique, This kind of is actually difficult not to classify them as an important original form of Indonesia art.
In comparison to kendi susu, prehistoric water vessels found in Sulawesi, Sumba in addition to elsewhere have long necks. The best known of these is actually Melolo ware. Named after a village in East Sumba where they were first found, subsequent digs have revealed in which they are found throughout Sulawesi in addition to the Lesser Sundas. The best of them have human figure finials.
Balinese in addition to Lombok kendi also have long necks in addition to distinct shapes. In Bali they are frequently decorated with sumptuous additions including gold or silver spouts from the shapes of naga (dragons) with gaping mouths out of which the water is actually poured. These are used for the storage of holy water (tirta) created by high priests to bless in addition to purify. The Balinese also carve sumptuous tops with images of the tree of life, animals in addition to even humans. These are painted with cinnabar, natural pigments in addition to covered with pure gold leaf.
Kendi were so universal in addition to common in which the rulers of various Indonesian kingdoms began ordering porcelain in addition to ceramic versions by Swankalok, Thailand, Annam, China in addition to Japan. The best-glazed versions were painted with graceful designs of birds in addition to landscapes. Some were blue in addition to white, although others were multi-hued in addition to whimsical. With their love of gold, Indonesians might decorate them with jewel-like covers in addition to ornaments. Notably while made abroad, these objects were made strictly for export to Indonesia in addition to Southeast Asia. While glazing, which originated in China, eventual spread to some other countries in South in addition to East Asia, the technique was never imported to Indonesia until much later, in spite of the Indonesian love affair with porcelain.
One of the greatest collectors of kendi was Indonesia’s third vice-president Adam Malik. Born in Sumatra of Batak extraction, Malik was a pioneering journalist in addition to co-founder of the Indonesian news agency ANTARA. He served only one term as vice-president probably because he was too outspoken for Suharto. Malik was also an avid in addition to sophisticated collector who amassed more than 50,000 objects during his long in addition to prestigious career. He had a special fondness for ceramics in addition to especially for kendi. His treasures were displayed for many years in Jakarta in one of Indonesia’s best private museums. He also co-founded the Ceramic Society of Indonesia, which was responsible for publishing over 14 books on various subjects. One of the best of these is actually Kendi (1987), penned by Sumarah Adhyatman, the chairperson the Ceramic Society in addition to an acknowledged expert on the subject. Sadly after Malik’s death the contents of the museum were sold off piece meal by its heirs in addition to scattered the globe over. Empty for many years This kind of closed its doors in 2006. Love Earth, Shape Earth, Fire Earth in addition to Change the planet. If you want to liven up your next party serve drinks by a Kendi.
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Earth Art
Earth Art