N.V. Photografisch Atelier Kurkdjian - Indonesia

An exceptional, large-format historic photograph showcasing the majestic architectural details of the Borobudur Temple Complex in Central Java, Indonesia. This striking image presents an intimate view of a stone toraṇa (gateway), brilliantly capturing the famous Kala monster face lintel and the fine relief carvings lining the ascending terraces. It stands out as Catalog No. 12 from the iconic archaeological documentation series produced by N.V. Photografisch Atelier Kurkdjian, one of the most celebrated elite photography studios active in the Dutch East Indies during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The reverse side carries the ultimate hallmark of institutional and collector authenticity: it is heavily stamped with the Dutch Royal Coat of Arms (reflecting the studio’s prestigious Hofleverancier / Royal Warrant status earned in 1898) alongside the text: "Origineele Opname Door N.V. Photografisch Atelier KURKDJIAN, Soerabaia-Java. Rechten Verboden te Reproduceeren in Elken Vorm. All Rights Reserved." • Photographer / Studio: N.V. Photografisch Atelier Kurkdjian (Soerabaia, Java) • Title of Work: Poort met reliëfs van de Borobúdur (Gate with reliefs of the Borobudur) • Date of Negative: c. 1895–1915 • Medium: Daylight Gelatin Silver Print on fiber-based paper • Image Size: 23.7 x 18 cm • Mounting: Mounted on the original studio heavy backing cardboard (as typical for Kurkdjian's premium collector and tourist portfolio distribution). • Institutional Context: Sister prints from this identical negative series are preserved within major national museum collections, including the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam and the KITLV archive in Leiden. Condition: Good, creased right top and right top corner. An indispensable acquisition for collectors of early Southeast Asian photography, Javanese antiquitiesary, and colonial-era photographic history.

Estimate:£0.83

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