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Arts in Southeast Asia Database
ArchitectureKunung Kawi
Candi Gunung Kawi is the series of nine rock-cut temples on the cliff adjacent to the river, considered to be the best example of the rock-cut temple in Bali. Furthermore, these temples are the good examples of the traces of Eastern Javanese Art in Bali. As the roofs are decorated with series of miniature temples which are normally absent in Balinese towers, the towers at Gunung Kawi are datable to Eastern Javanese Art. The location of these temples, by the river, also sanctifies the river.
SculptureBrikuti
In the early period of Eastern Java art, sculpture is still similar to Central Java. However, the back started to feature “Bua leaf” which is a unique feature of this period. The sculpture is also decorated with more ornamental chains and pearl nosegay.
SculptureManjusri
One important aspect of eastern Java sculpture is the back started to feature “Bua leaf” which is a unique feature of this period. This sculpture in particular has less ornaments than other eastern Java sculptures making it more similar to those of Central java art. It may be possible that it was built during the transitional period.
SculptureAvalokiteshvara with attendants
This Avalokiteshvara wears costumes and has a halo that gravitate towards Eastern java art. The back is also decorated with lotus and lotus leaf, which is an important feature of this period. Besides, having attendants at the back of the sculpture is a common arrangement in this period.
SculptureHarihara
One important aspect of eastern Java sculpture is the back started to feature “Bua leaf” which is a unique feature of this period. Besides, sculptures were also decorated fully with ornaments and flowers. Jewellry earrings and “Yatchayopreweet” were decoaretd with pearls and flowers and so was the belt.
SculptureVishnu on Garuda from Belahan
Garuda in this period has a long and protuding mouth, shows a ferocious expressing, turns the face to the side and shows unsemestry movements. These characteristics all represent the essence of being “Eastern Java”.
SculptureLakshmi at Belahan
The wife wears curvy pattern costume and a lot of ornaments. Also, there is kanok pattern at the back. All of these represent the essense of being “Eastern Java”.
SculptureGaruda being slaved by Serpents
Candi Kidal is the place where ashes of king Anusabadhi of Singasari dynasty were buried. He died in 1248 and because the death and the rituals had to always be sepeated by 12 years, this religious place was built in 1260. There are narratives showing Garuda stealing holy water to save his mother. The holy water is the water of eternity. This relates to “Tevaraja” principle in that it helps the dead gain eternity.
