Art of Indonesia [Hardcover]

Bambang Sumadio (Author), Tara Sosrowardoyo (Photographer)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Pusaka, the focus of this volume, are best described as heirlooms or those artifacts that define a culture. Not only are they highly treasured in Indonesia, but they are often venerated as religious icons. The six essays in this profusely illustrated compendium survey pusaka from both historical and thematic perspectives. Except for the architectural examples, most of the objects discussed or pictured are from the National Museum of the Republic of Indonesia, one of the world's great treasure houses of art. Great care was taken to provide balance between Java and the other parts of Indonesia. The superb illustrations as well as the depth and variety of the objects illustrated make this an essential purchase for libraries interested in Asian art.
- Donald Clay Johnson, Univ. of Minnesota Lib., Minneapolis
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 239 pages
• Publisher: Vendome Press; First Edition edition (November 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0865651426
• ISBN-13: 978-0865651425
• Product Dimensions: 12.3 x 9.9 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,867,253 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars A Lovely Book with Many Limitations, February 18, 2011

By 

Professor Robert Henry Sr. "Antiquities Lover" (Springfield, MA USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Art of Indonesia (Hardcover)

Highlighting many of the world-class objects found in the National Museum, this coffee-table type volume pictures some wonderful ancient and medievil arts (with a focus on antique sculptures). Descriptions of them are erratic, the actual number and variety of objects very limited, and several areas such a tribal religious sculpture of the last several hundred years, ceramics, and cloth manufacture are but touched on and architecture virtually ignored. Finally, elite objects such as those surveyed would not have been seen by the vast majority of Indonesians, whatever the time period, and no space has been given for utilitarian or commonly encountered religious & ceremonial artifacts (such as beads, amulets and other jewelry) from the rich and varied culture that existed throughout the Spice Islands. Thus I deem this book to be of limited "use" for most potential buyers.