Javanese Antique Furniture and Folk Art

Quirky, enigmatic and uniquely beautiful, the art and furnishings of Central and East Java's villages and palaces are little known to the art historians, museum curators and collectors of the world. Armed with all the charm and characteristics of folk art-bright, bold colours; na�ve forms and compositions; flattened perspective; anonymous origins; functionality; humour and social commentary-it is the product of a complex and ancient culture renowned for its ability to pick and choose from outside influences and incorporate them into the existing tradition without impairing the integrity of the original. With compelling, colourful photography, Javanese Antique Furniture and Folk Art celebrates this delightful art form that is just beginning to attract international attention and, with insight from the field's foremost experts, reveals the history and fascinating culture embodied in every piece of one of the world's most impressive collections of Javanese art.