014: INSEPARABLE

 
 
 
 

LORO
BLONYO

J A V A

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

THE INSEPARABLE JAVANESE WEDDING COUPLE

 

  • 19th-century to early 20th-century

  • Central Java

  • Javanese peoples

  • Wood, pigments, applied colors

  • Groom:
    Height: 23.5 in (59.69 cm)
    Width: 15 in (38.1 cm)
    Depth: 12.5 in (31.75 cm)

    Bride:
    Height: 22.5 in (57.15 cm)
    Width: 14 in (35.56 cm)
    Depth: 12 in (30.48 cm)

  • Private American collection.

    This pair was brought to Holland during the colonial period and were formerly owned by the well-known artist Kees Timmer (1903-1978).

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Loro Blonyo means "inseparable couple." As the name implies, these figures embody the longing for protection and balance within marriage and throughout life's affairs. In former times, the Javanese nobility and their courtiers prioritized the carving of these images to celebrate the nuptials of two persons and to reaffirm the union of the rice goddess, Dewi Sri, with her male consort, Sadono. 

Over the centuries, Loro Blonyo has represented "the ideal couple" and served as protective doppelgangers, admirably reflecting Java's syncretic layering of animism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam. Traditionally, older Loro Blonyo figures were housed in miniature shrines that radiated the essence of being Javanese. Today, these statues remain exalted symbols of central Javanese culture and are preserved as treasured heirlooms or pusaka of aristocratic families.

This wonderful pair dates back to the colonial period and has collection numbers inscribed on the back. They were once owned by the well-known Dutch artist Kees Timmer (1903-1978).  

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