Kotagede (now one major populace) was the home of the last emperor and the major center
of classical Javanese art and culture such as silver manufacture, batik, ballet, drama, music, poetry, and Wayang (puppet shows)
Yogya silver is also known as Djokja silver and spoons, servers, bowls and a myriad of other forms were produced.
In the late 1800's many Dutch settled in the area as the Dutch claimed Indonesia to be part of their empire.
The silversmiths in the area used to cater primarily to the Emperor and the nobility and produced some awesome silver work.
However from about 1900 to 1930 the economy of the area was very poor and the traditional customers could not afford to commission new silverwork.
The Dutch settlers wanted silver that was similar to what was available in Europe. Design books and examples were brought to the island
and gradually the silversmiths were able to provide silverwork more to the Dutch taste as they became the major buyers.
In 1930, under the leadership of Dutch colonist, Mrs. Van Gesseler Verschuir, the remaining silversmiths created a commission to promote the silver trade and to respond to the increasing tourist trade.
This was part of a broader attempt to save the traditional Java crafts under the umbrella of the Pakarjan Ngajogjakarta Foundation.
The exensive floral decorations are usually tendrils and leafs and flowers (often the red lotus). Peacock designs are also common
The first four exhibits in this series show silver from the 1925 to 1935 era.
The more touristy type of silver shown is dates from the 1935 to 1970 era (no substantial silverwork was produced during WW2)
These pieces are all 800 purity silver
When the silversmiths were organized, they settled on the 800 standard which was the typical central European standard rather the higher standards used by the Dutch.
The purity was checked before items could be sold in the silversmith hall.
As you can see these pieces are very large and very heavy. I have included a ruler at the bottom and a standard sized tea spoon on the right so you can guage size.
Detail photos of the bowls are shown below
All of the work was done by hand including the extensive engraving and very extensive cutout work.
click for information on how cutout silverwork is done.
Left: I suspect that this server was designed for vegetables. Wayang puppet finial is finished on both sides
center: Very long handled spoon was probably used as a claret spoon or for getting food from deep canisters. Puppet figure finished on both sides
right: Probably designed for serving flapjacks or associated flat type foods. Puppet finial finished on both sides.
Notice the incredible amount of detail cutout work in the bowl and how the center wayang puppet is cutout to highlight the figure.
I have reversed the photo so that the figure is right side up.
the puppet is surrounded by traditional foilage.
Again notice the large amount of cutout work and the wayang puppet is surrounded by extensive vines.
Click to see the next exhibit in this series
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