Anthony Caro was a key figure in the evolution of sculpture in the 20th century and was considered one of the most important British sculptors of his time. In most of his sculpture, he employed a broad vocabulary of forms, including figures, massive welded and painted pieces, and architectural-sculptural combinations. He worked directly with his materials, without preliminary sketches or maquettes. Java, a structure of rusted steel plates and slabs projecting from an off-center juncture, is enriched by inset masses of congealed slag, and the mill waste creates a baroque contrast with the planar surfaces.