The many cultures from this tropical landscape were influenced by trade along the maritime Silk Road and present a diverse range of art which often includes metallurgy, the Buddha, and ritual objects.
In the tropical landscapes of Southeast Asia, remarkable cultures arose along important waterways. This is one of the most diverse areas in the world, with hundreds of languages and ethnic groups surviving into the present day.
During the Bronze Age and Iron Age (ca. 2000 to 500 BCE), important metallurgical societies like the Ban Chiang, Phung Nguyen, and Dong Son cultures created a wide array of unique ceramic and metal weapons, ornaments, and ritual objects. Dong Son bells and drums are a particular highlight. Trade with the Indian subcontinent brought Hinduism and Buddhism to the region and local areas developed their own interpretations to portray the religious iconography of both, particularly of scenes from the life of Buddha.
A little under 1000 years ago, three vast empires arose in the region – the Majapahit Empire, a maritime network centered on Java (ca. 1293 to 1527 CE), the Khmer Empire, centered on Angkor Wat (ca. 802 to 1431 CE), and the Ayutthaya Kingdom (ca. 1351 to 1767 CE). Negotiating relationships with China to the north and the arrival of Islam from the west created new fusions and artistic styles. With the arrival of the Dutch and British East India Companies, Europeans intent upon acquiring resources and making their fortunes gradually changed the dynamic of the area, but local artistic traditions persisted, especially centered on Buddhist art. Artisans from the 17th century onward created beautiful kris blades and handles, while dance, puppet, and mask festivals continue in places like Bali.