Monk displaying the varada mudra, Residential house. Kediri, Kediri district, East Java province, 13th - 14th century. Possibly 1866 - 1867

This photograph, taken by Isidore Kinsbergen in 1866-1867, depicts a stone sculpture of a monk seated in the varada mudra, a gesture of granting boons. The sculpture, which dates from the 13th-14th century, was found in a residential house in Kediri, East Java province, Indonesia. The photograph captures the serene expression of the monk and the intricate details of the sculpture. It provides a glimpse into the rich artistic traditions of ancient Indonesia and the lasting legacy of Buddhism in the region. Kinsbergen was a Dutch photographer known for his documentation of Indonesian art and culture. His work offers valuable insights into the historical context of these sculptures and the development of photography in Southeast Asia.