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The rich quality of Indonesian furniture is a result of its strategic position as a maritime trading center for many centuries, both for Southeast Asia and Europe. These foreign influences and cross cultures were absorbed and adapted to produce an exotic array of furniture, arts and crafts. The origin of colonial Indonesian furniture is largely attributed to the Dutch who arrived in Indonesia in the early 1600s and dominated the country until the Japanese invaded in 1942. Many original pieces were taken off the Dutch East India Company boats and copied or adapted to suit the lifestyle in Indonesia, usually using local teakwood. With the skill and imagination of the Indonesian craftsman a unique and independent style emerged combining European construction with Indies ornamentation.
The beauty of Indonesian furniture is that the pieces are both decorative and useful. In each of my collections I attempt to select a wide range of one-of-a kind original pieces that will inject both individuality and function into any home. Much of the appeal comes from the wealth of history they have behind them. The colonial style is particularly suited in American homes due to the European influence, while the simplistic village pieces look stunning in any environment, tropical, contemporary or traditional.
I usually include many different types of cabinets of varying sizes and degree of carving, some of which are large enough to accommodate TV and stereo units. I also have tea chests, dining tables and chairs, very pretty Dutch colonial occasional tables, coffee tables and impressive kneehole desks. Really exciting are the Grobogs or rice containers which make wonderful coffee tables. Originally the locals would sleep on them at night to prevent rice thieves during the night. Another interesting piece is a weaving loom that looks great converted into a low table.
One of my best sellers has always been the teak bench. Again I have them in a variety of sizes and design, some are very deep and with cushions and pillows not only look outstanding but are very comfortable. Increasingly popular is the planters or "lazy" chair, and I always carry several original pieces, varying slightly in design.
Four poster beds are always "romantic", and I have now added these to my collection, if I am lucky enough to find old ones in good condition I snap them up, but I also have some very pretty designs I have made to order.
Not to be missed are the primitive items in my collection. These include Javanese coffee grinders , long narrow resting benches made out of one piece of teak, beautiful hand-made wooden bowls, spice grinders, candle holders and betel boxes
As I mentioned, Indonesian craftsmanship is exquisite. A wonderful example can be seen in the lavishly carved bed frames I found in central Java, which make great headboards or mirrors. Also charming are the pretty carved window frames, which used to serve as screens for homes or shops; I have turned them into mirrors.
Although most of my collection is old and original I usually carry some made-to-order pieces .These pieces are all made of old seasoned teakwood and are hand crafted in the villages by traditional methods. Many items can be recreated if required in quantity for commercial projects such as restaurants.
In my latest collection I have included some fun Art Deco furniture, all the pieces are original and include chair and table sets, dressing tables, a desk, etc. I also have some beautiful Chinese pieces, including an antique Chinese Wedding Bed.
There are many more exciting items, including richly colored textiles, old puppets, artifacts and wood carvings, so I do hope I have whetted your appetite enough for you to visit me at Kraton Gallery. By the way, Kraton is Javanese for Palace of the King!
Interfaced Systems International