Rare 1926 Edition – Pictorial History of Civilization in Java

Front Cover - Pictorial History of Civilization in Java
First page Pictorial History of Civilization of Java
Black & White Images of ancient stone Buddha statues - History of Civilization in Java
Black & White images - Pictorial History of Civilization in Java
Black & White Images 2 - History of Civilization in Java
Black white Images Javanese History
Images of intricate old Javanese carvings - Pictorial History of Civilization in Java
Back Cover Pictorial History in Java
Front Cover - Pictorial History of Civilization in Java
First page Pictorial History of Civilization of Java
Black & White Images of ancient stone Buddha statues - History of Civilization in Java
Black & White images - Pictorial History of Civilization in Java
Black & White Images 2 - History of Civilization in Java
Black white Images Javanese History
Images of intricate old Javanese carvings - Pictorial History of Civilization in Java
Back Cover Pictorial History in Java

Rare 1926 Edition – Pictorial History of Civilization in Java

A$120

The rare 1926 edition of Pictorial History of Civilization in Java by W.F. Stutterheim is a richly illustrated exploration of Javanese cultural heritage, published by the Java Institute and G. Kolff & Co. in Weltevreden.

Condition: This copy is complete and structurally sound, with expected signs of age: foxing on the front and back covers, and first and last internal pages, with edge wear around the covers, binding is firm and most pages clean with varying degrees of mild foxing. Maps and photographic plates are intact. Page 11 to 14 is uncut along the long edge, sometimes this happens in older fine press books whereupon sheets are folded to create multiple pages. We have not cut it open, but it can be.

This signals that the book is in original condition and may require careful opening with a paper knife. Collectors often value unopened leaves as signs of authenticity or unread condition.

  • Author: Dr. W.F. Stutterheim

  • Translator: Mrs. A.C. Winter-Keen

  • Publisher: Java Institute and G. Kolff & Co., Weltevreden

  • Year: 1926 (1927 as the publication date)

  • Language: English (translated from Dutch)

  • Format: 172 pages – Hardcover, large format (approx. 32.5 × 25 cm)

  • Illustrations: Includes 263 black-and-white photographs, 2 maps, and 5 plans with descriptive captions in English

Pictorial History of Civilization in Java by W.F. Stutterheim

This is a landmark visual survey of Javanese culture, this large-format volume features 263 black-and-white photographs, maps, and architectural plans documenting temples, sculpture, and daily life across Java. Authored by Dutch archaeologist W.F. Stutterheim, it offers a rare colonial-era perspective on Southeast Asian civilization, translated into English for broader accessibility.

This 1926/27 edition is prized by collectors, scholars, and institutions worldwide for its visual richness and historical significance. It bridges archaeology, ethnography, and art history, making it ideal for libraries, museums, and private collections focused on Southeast Asia, colonial studies, or visual anthropology.

It reflects the colonial-era scholarly approach to Southeast Asian archaeology and ethnography, with emphasis on Hindu-Buddhist monuments and indigenous traditions.

Stutterheim, a noted Dutch archaeologist, was instrumental in documenting Java’s ancient sites, and this work remains a valuable reference for historians and collectors.

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