Theodore de Bry. CHARAGMA PELVIVM SIVE CYMBALORVM, QVIBVS IAVANI CAMPANA. $300.

‘Another type of Javanese musical instrument.’ From Petits Voyages, published in 1601 in Latin text. Translation of text:

There is another type of musical instrument played in Java. Under a shelter, they hang down a descending row of moulded gongs, each one different in size from the next, so the tones vary in pitch. There are also smaller versions, that lie on low tables and are beaten with drumsticks and these are used in people’s houses. The rhythms are unusual but a joy to listen to. They are played in the name of the king for official business, such as when we first arrived and the king granted us permission to do business with the Javanese.

Bartele Gallery

Theodore de Bry. QVU RITV BANTANI CON CILIA MILITARIA AGANT. $300.

A rare early 17th century black and white print of a typical council meeting in the market place at Bantam by the German engraver and bookseller Theodore de Bry who, in 1598, published Peregrinationum in Indiam Oriental et Indiam Occidentales, a book of early 16th century voyages and travels. This print is derived from the 1601 Latin edition of the Petits Voyages. Very good overall condition apart from some faint paper discoloration along the right-hand margin. Measures 250 x 175 mm.

Theodore de Bry. CHOREO SEV TRIPV DIVM IAVANORVM. (left) $300.

‘A typical Javanese Dance’ from Petits Voyages, published in 1601 in Latin text. Translation of text reads:

When the people of Java dance, the men stand on one side and the woman on the other, just as they do in Madagascar. The way they dance, however, is quite different. The dancers sway from side to side, stretching out an arm to one side, then pulling it back and laying a hand on their breast, with great playfulness. The musical instrument to which they dance is made from different sized pieces of sugar cane, bound together like organ pipes and arranged on a platform. A small piece of metal covers each opening at the top and the player strikes these with another piece of metal. The sound is very pleasant and five times louder than one would expect from such a small instrument.

Kantor Taman E3.3 Unit A1 4th Floor (entrance via Cazbar)Jl. Mega KuninganJakarta Tel: +62 21 5764575Fax: +62 21 5764576Email: bartele@me.com

Life in Java as Seen Through an Outsider’s Eyes.