History and Importance of Rice in Indonesia

Rice holds a special place in the heart of Indonesia. It is a staple in the Indonesian diet, making up half the calories in the average diet and contributes significantly to the livelihoods of millions of Indonesians. Indonesia is the third largest producer of rice in the world. From ancient agricultural practices to modern-day culinary

W.G. Hofker’s Artistic Odyssey and the Cultural Tapestry that Inspired Him

European painters have long been captivated by the beauty of Indonesia. The stunning landscapes and rich colorful heritage have served as an inspiration for many renowned artists throughout history. In this article, Sake Santema from Indies Gallery presents a few works from his collection by Willem G Hofker, whose life and work became deeply intertwined

A Historic Look into Indonesian Wedding Traditions, A Fusion of Cultures

In a rapidly modernising Indonesia, many old traditions and attire have gradually faded from daily life. However, wedding celebrations still show a vital link to the past, where old customs, some centuries old, remain a testament to Indonesia’s rich heritage, showcasing the diverse influences that have shaped the nation’s identity. In this article, Sake Santema

The Art of Decorating with Antique Maps and Prints

In an era mostly dominated by mass-produced and generic decor, antique maps and prints have stood the test of time. While for centuries published in books and atlases used mainly for science and educational purposes, they now seamlessly blend into a variety of interior design styles, from traditional to contemporary. A vintage world map can

Indonesian Fruits Through the Eyes of Early Explorers and Botanists

Indonesia is known for its vibrant markets which boast a rich variety of fruits, or ‘buah’. From luscious mangosteens to spiky durian, fruits play an important part in Indonesian cuisine. While Indonesians have cherished these delights for centuries, it was the first European explorers and botanists who introduced these exotic fruits to the rest of

Early Travels to the ‘Dutch East Indies’

Today’s travellers may feel envious of those who visited Bali back when it was ‘untouched’, but do not realise the difficulty of not only getting to the island but also the challenges once they arrived. Sake Santema, owner of antiques dealer Indies Gallery, explores early travels to Indonesia and Bali, complemented by prints and images

A Historic Look at the Majestic Prambanan Temple in Java 

Indonesia is a country rich in history and culture, with many ancient temples scattered throughout the archipelago. One of them is the majestic Prambanan temple located in Central Java, which is considered one of the most important Hindu temples in Southeast Asia. The complex is a testament to the ancient Javanese civilisation, and is a

Capturing Indonesia in the Mid-19th Century

Up until the 19th century, just before the invention of photography, the only way to show what people, landscapes and objects looked like was by painting, sketching or printing them. In the Netherlands many prints were published of their far east colonies, or nowadays, Indonesia.  “De Typen van Nederlandsch Oost-Indië” (Types of the Dutch East

Now Bali
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