On the island of Java, a monumental Buddhist temple was built, lost to time, and then rediscovered.
c. 800 C.E.–present
videos + essays
We're adding new content all the time!
Raden Saleh, The Arrest of Prince Diponegoro
Anti-colonial sentiment likely motivated Saleh to depict the historical scene of Diponegoro’s arrest.
Sunyaragi, a Javanese pleasure garden
Sunyaragi is one of the least known archaeological sites in Indonesia—despite its attractive and enigmatic architectural plan.
Sukuh, a mountain sanctuary
The main temple of Sukuh, with its pyramid-like appearance, is unlike any other on Java.
Prambanan Temple compounds
Built in the 10th century, this is the largest temple compound dedicated to Shiva in Indonesia.
Bronze figure of Buddha Vairocana (Java)
In many Vajrayana Buddhist temples in Java the five Buddhas are arranged in a mandala with Vairocana at the center.
Shadow puppet, Java
Shadow puppets are popular in Java today, although the tradition dates back to the 11th century
Borobudur
The walkways and reliefs of this incredible sanctuary guide pilgrims toward higher states of consciousness.
