TRAKOTA MAJAPAHIT

The Majapahit Empire (13th to 16th centuries) was centered in Mojokerta Regency, East Java, Indonesia. Majapahit reached its peak during the reign of Rajasanagara, who was popularly known as Hayam Wuruk (1350-1389). Several of the ancient city's brick buildings including the temple gate and pond can still be seen today around the village of Trowulan in Mojokerto reflecting the architecture that once defined the place. In addition to stone statues and inscriptions, this mighty kingdom also left testimonies of daily life in the form of terracotta artifacts. Not much is known about these artifacts and what is known is complicated by the large number of fakes and replicas found in the antiques market. Some of them take the form of humans, animals, and mythological creatures. Their functions range from architectural elements to garden furniture and household appliances. "Majapahit Terracotta" is a guide for Majapahit terracotta collectors to enable them to better distinguish the original from the counterfeit or replica. It will give the reader an insight into the interesting variations of this little-known art form by drawing on selected items in a collection that has been carefully compiled by the author over the past thirty years.