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Indonesia: Javanese classical dancer (c.1925) by Tyra Kleen (1874-1951)

Indonesia: Javanese classical dancer (c.1925) by Tyra Kleen (1874-1951)

Tyra Kleen, sometimes written Thyra, born 29 March 1874 in Stockholm, died in 1951, was a Swedish artist and writer. Her illustrations can be signed T.Kn.

Javanese dance is the dances and art forms that were created and influenced by Javanese culture. Javanese dance is usually associated with the courtly, refined and sophisticated culture of the Javanese kratons, such as the Bedhaya and Srimpi dance. However, in a wider sense, Javanese dance also includes the dances of Javanese commoners and villagers such as Ronggeng, Tayub, Reog, and Kuda Lumping.

Javanese dance is usually associated with Wayang wong, and the palaces of Yogyakarta and Surakarta due to the nature of dance being a pusaka or sacred heirloom from ancestors of the palace rulers. These expressive dances are more than just dances, they are also used for moral education, emotional expression, and spreading of the Javanese culture.

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