Mads Lange's Forgotten Treasures

Mads Johansen Lange (1807-1856) was the most influential person that made Bali prosper during the mid 19th century. In order to receive favorable treatment and procure lucrative trade deals, he presented the kings of Bali with luxury goods. His philosophy was to unite and share rather than divide and conquer, so he treated all his relationships equally within the social-political system of the time.

Lange strived to have peace maintained in Bali for his business to succeed and for the welfare of the inhabitants. The prosperity is evident in the luxury goods that he presented to his contacts, from valuable daggers with gold and precious gems, to elaborate temple sculptures, to fancy carved cabinets.