Six Young Women Performing a Play in the Kraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat - Kassian Céphas

A historical photograph by Kassian Céphas documenting a traditional dance performance at the royal palace in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, circa 1890.

This photograph captures a performance within the Kraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat, the royal palace of the Sultan of Yogyakarta. Kassian Céphas, the first indigenous Indonesian professional photographer, documented the Javanese court life with precision and sensitivity. His work provides a rare window into the cultural practices of the late nineteenth century, specifically the refined traditions of court dance and theatre.

The image depicts six young women engaged in a performance, likely a Bedhaya or Srimpi dance, which are highly stylised forms of Javanese court dance. The dancers are positioned on a mat within the open-air pavilion, or pendopo, a structure characteristic of Javanese architecture. The surrounding columns and the shaded background suggest the quiet, formal atmosphere of the palace grounds. The dancers wear traditional batik textiles and elaborate headpieces, reflecting the specific aesthetic standards of the Yogyakarta court.

Céphas was appointed as the court photographer to the Sultan of Yogyakarta, a position that granted him unique access to ceremonies and private events. His technical approach is clear and objective, focusing on the composition of the figures against the architectural backdrop. The photograph serves as a record of the performative arts in Java during a period of significant social change. By capturing the dancers in motion, Céphas preserves the posture and grace required for these traditional performances. The print is presented here with the original framing lines, maintaining the integrity of the archival document. This piece offers an opportunity to observe the intersection of traditional Javanese culture and the emerging medium of photography in the colonial era.