Four sculptures from the Rijksmuseum South- and Southeast Asian collection are proposed for investigation by means of neutron diffraction to characterize composition and microstructure. The Rijksmuseum, in collaboration with CNR, is investigating the application of a sequence of non-destructive analyses to metal sculptures in order to gain information on their manufacturing and conservation status. Data gathered is expected to provide information on regional techniques and materials used by the artisans, thus supplementing art-historical assumptions, which are in many cases not supported by scientific evidence.