Offering Tray (Talam)

Art Historical Context

Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Asian Art collection, this bronze Tray, or *Talam*, hails from 10th–11th century Java, Indonesia.ed during the height of Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms the Sailendras and Matarams, it exemplifies the sophisticated metalworking traditions of classical Javanese culture. Measuring 10⅝ inches in diameter, circular form was ideal for ritual use, balancing offerings of flowers, incense, or food during ceremonies, dances, and temple rites. tray's bronze medium highlights the era's advanced lost-wax casting techniques, allowing artisans to create intricate, durab...