Antique artworks to go on the block

Antique artworks to go on the block

JAKARTA (JP): Art collector J. Roy Tobing and the Tobas Group
will auction off some of his best pieces at an exhibition
scheduled for March 20 through March 21 at Hilton Hotel, Central
Jakarta.

Borobudur Temple, a 1967 painting by De Jong, is among the
items to be auctioned. Borobudur will be offered at an opening
price of Rp 350 million (about $45,000).

There is also a self-portrait by Raden Saleh, the acclaimed
19th century Indonesian artist.

Other major items to be auctioned are two doors from
aristocrats' mansions adorned with Arabic calligraphy (gebyok)
which Tobing said were made between the 14th century and 16th
century when Islam was first propagated in Java. He refused to
disclose the asking price.

Most of Tobing's collection bear Islamic symbols, such as
Arabic calligraphy or depictions of palaces of Islamic kingdoms
and mosques. He said he collected most of the pieces during
journeys through the Middle East.

"I like collecting Islamic artworks because they are not that
popular although Indonesia is the world's largest Muslim
country," he said on Wednesday.

Part of the proceeds will be donated to the needy to help them
weather the economic crisis, he added. (pan)