Toneelvoorstelling van een gevecht zonder wapens, in de Kraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat - Kassian Céphas

A historical photograph by Kassian Céphas capturing a traditional unarmed combat dance performance within the royal palace of Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

Kassian Céphas, the first indigenous Indonesian photographer to gain professional recognition, captured this scene within the Kraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat. The image depicts a performance of a traditional unarmed combat dance, likely a form of Serimpi or Bedhaya, set against the architectural backdrop of the royal palace grounds in Yogyakarta. The performers are arranged in a line across the open courtyard, their postures reflecting the disciplined movements of Javanese court dance. They wear traditional attire, including batik textiles and elaborate headpieces, which are characteristic of the period and the specific cultural context of the Sultanate.

Céphas operated his studio in Yogyakarta during the late nineteenth century, documenting both the Javanese aristocracy and the archaeological sites of the region, such as Borobudur. His work provides a rare visual record of court life and performance traditions that were central to the identity of the Kraton. The composition is balanced, with the dancers positioned between the open-sided pavilions, known as pendopo, and the mature trees that define the space. The lighting is soft, typical of the daylight conditions in the courtyard, allowing for a clear view of the performers' movements and the textures of their costumes. This photograph is part of a broader collection documenting the cultural heritage of Java, reflecting the photographer's access to the royal court and his technical skill in capturing staged performances. The print maintains a documentary quality, focusing on the preservation of the dance form and the environment in which it occurred.