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A scarce ancient Javanese gold and sapphire ring dating from the 7th-15th century Indonesian Classical period.
As expected with Javanese gem-set gold rings made in this period, the present ring is crafted with folded sheets of high-karat gold and set with a polished, irregular cabochon which is placed above red clay (or resin) for a snug fit. The ring has a circular bezel with a pearled border, holding a pale blue sapphire of approximately 1.8cts. The protuberant, stirrup-shaped shoulders are designed to mimic the shape of water buffalo horns and taper down towards the back of the ring.
One of the largest and most important islands in the Indonesian archipelago, Java has long been a great centre of art and civilisation. Gold finger rings are the most common form of jewellery found on ancient Java. Inventories of gold artefacts found in archaeological excavations reinforce the notion that rings were ubiquitous during this period. Not only was gold jewellery a significant symbol of wealth, status and power - but it was also used a currency in itself and functioned as standardised payment for numerous goods and services like salaries, fines and wedding banquets. In ancient Java, rings were also believed to have magical properties; predominantly the ability to bring good fortune and protection to the wearer. In fact, the literal meaning of the word ‘ring’ in Old Javanese translates to ‘guardian against enemy’.
Although corundum, particularly sapphires and rubies, is not a local to Java, they are often found on ancient Javanese rings and would have originally come from Sri Lanka, Myanmar or Central Asia. The stones on ancient gem-encrusted Javanese rings were not only chosen for their beauty and value, but also for their supposed astrological, magical and medicinal powers.
UK ring size I 1/2, US size 4.5
5.24g of high karat gold (19K/20K gold)
Circular measures 11mm x 10mm at its widest points. Band measures 1.5mm at back. Stone tested as corundum (sapphire).
Very similar examples can be found in the British Museum (AF.2379) and Sotheby’s (see final photo).
A scarce ancient Javanese gold and sapphire ring dating from the 7th-15th century Indonesian Classical period.
As expected with Javanese gem-set gold rings made in this period, the present ring is crafted with folded sheets of high-karat gold and set with a polished, irregular cabochon which is placed above red clay (or resin) for a snug fit. The ring has a circular bezel with a pearled border, holding a pale blue sapphire of approximately 1.8cts. The protuberant, stirrup-shaped shoulders are designed to mimic the shape of water buffalo horns and taper down towards the back of the ring.
One of the largest and most important islands in the Indonesian archipelago, Java has long been a great centre of art and civilisation. Gold finger rings are the most common form of jewellery found on ancient Java. Inventories of gold artefacts found in archaeological excavations reinforce the notion that rings were ubiquitous during this period. Not only was gold jewellery a significant symbol of wealth, status and power - but it was also used a currency in itself and functioned as standardised payment for numerous goods and services like salaries, fines and wedding banquets. In ancient Java, rings were also believed to have magical properties; predominantly the ability to bring good fortune and protection to the wearer. In fact, the literal meaning of the word ‘ring’ in Old Javanese translates to ‘guardian against enemy’.
Although corundum, particularly sapphires and rubies, is not a local to Java, they are often found on ancient Javanese rings and would have originally come from Sri Lanka, Myanmar or Central Asia. The stones on ancient gem-encrusted Javanese rings were not only chosen for their beauty and value, but also for their supposed astrological, magical and medicinal powers.
UK ring size I 1/2, US size 4.5
5.24g of high karat gold (19K/20K gold)
Circular measures 11mm x 10mm at its widest points. Band measures 1.5mm at back. Stone tested as corundum (sapphire).
Very similar examples can be found in the British Museum (AF.2379) and Sotheby’s (see final photo).
As expected with Javanese gem-set gold rings made in this period, the present ring is crafted with folded sheets of high-karat gold and set with a polished, irregular cabochon which is placed above red clay (or resin) for a snug fit. The ring has a circular bezel with a pearled border, holding a pale blue sapphire of approximately 1.8cts. The protuberant, stirrup-shaped shoulders are designed to mimic the shape of water buffalo horns and taper down towards the back of the ring.
One of the largest and most important islands in the Indonesian archipelago, Java has long been a great centre of art and civilisation. Gold finger rings are the most common form of jewellery found on ancient Java. Inventories of gold artefacts found in archaeological excavations reinforce the notion that rings were ubiquitous during this period. Not only was gold jewellery a significant symbol of wealth, status and power - but it was also used a currency in itself and functioned as standardised payment for numerous goods and services like salaries, fines and wedding banquets. In ancient Java, rings were also believed to have magical properties; predominantly the ability to bring good fortune and protection to the wearer. In fact, the literal meaning of the word ‘ring’ in Old Javanese translates to ‘guardian against enemy’.
Although corundum, particularly sapphires and rubies, is not a local to Java, they are often found on ancient Javanese rings and would have originally come from Sri Lanka, Myanmar or Central Asia. The stones on ancient gem-encrusted Javanese rings were not only chosen for their beauty and value, but also for their supposed astrological, magical and medicinal powers.
UK ring size I 1/2, US size 4.5
5.24g of high karat gold (19K/20K gold)
Circular measures 11mm x 10mm at its widest points. Band measures 1.5mm at back. Stone tested as corundum (sapphire).
Very similar examples can be found in the British Museum (AF.2379) and Sotheby’s (see final photo).
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