Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
The Himalayas and South-East Asia, Room 47a

Relief with Kala Mask

Sculpture
ca. 15th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Damaged Bronze relief of a Kala face with characteristically bulding eyes and a broad toothy smile enveloped in curling almost vegetal patterns. The Kala face (Sanskrit kīrtimukha) motif had wide applications in Java, often carrying protective associations; its precise function is unclear, but it may have served as a garment ornament, or a support for a ring-hook on a vessel.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleRelief with Kala Mask (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Bronze
Brief description
Relief showing Kala face, Bronze, Majapahit style, East Java, Indonesia, ca. 15th century.
Physical description
Damaged Bronze relief of a Kala face with characteristically bulding eyes and a broad toothy smile enveloped in curling almost vegetal patterns. The Kala face (Sanskrit kīrtimukha) motif had wide applications in Java, often carrying protective associations; its precise function is unclear, but it may have served as a garment ornament, or a support for a ring-hook on a vessel.
Dimensions
  • Width: 14.5cm
Style
Gallery label
Relief with Kala Mask 1300–1500 The kala face is an emanation of the Hindu deity Shiva which was also used in Buddhist contexts. It was believed to have protective properties. The precise function of this relief is unclear, but it may have been a garment ornament or a support for a ring-hook on a vessel. Bronze Indonesia (East Java) Museum no. IS.6-1994(14/06/2011)
Object history
Bought from Anthony Plowright.
Historical context
Majapahit style
Production
East Java, Indonesia
Collection
Accession number
IS.6-1994

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Record createdFebruary 13, 2000
Record URL
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