Ancient Javanese 'Sri' Ring
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A rare and evocative survivor from Indonesia’s Early Classical period, this ancient gold ring was crafted between the 8th and 10th centuries in Java - a major cultural and political centre of Southeast Asia.Made from high-karat gold, the ring features a distinctive hexagonal bezel with a stylised variant of the ‘Sri’ motif - an abstract design representing Dewi Sri, the Javanese rice goddess. The Sri motif, found on rings from Central Java during this period, was believed to bring good fortune, fertility, and prosperity. As such, it functioned as both personal adornment and a powerful talisman.The sharply geometric bezel shows stepped ‘brickwork’ decoration on the edges, likely echoing the architectural forms of temple reliefs and shrines of the region, while the hoop is a simple rounded form of approximately 2mm in thickness. The gold surface has developed a rich patina.Gold rings such as this were not merely decorative: in ancient Java, they were symbols of status, ritual currency, and even protective emblems. The Old Javanese word for ‘ring’ is derived from a term meaning ‘guardian against enemies’, underscoring its amuletic role.Measurements:
- Finger size: UK M ½ / US 6.5
- Bezel: 10 × 8 × 4 mm
- Hoop: 2 mm wide
- Weight: 7.05g
- Composition: Tests as 19K gold
Condition:- Very good wearable condition for its age
- Surface wear and minor scratches consistent with age and burial
- A remarkable and wearable artefact of Southeast Asian antiquity
Museum Comparisons:Comparable examples can be found in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, including: 1998.544.382, 1998.544.390, 2001.794.125, and 1998.544.381 (see final photo for example).These pieces demonstrate the widespread use of the Sri motif in elite gold rings of the Central Javanese Period and affirm this ring’s cultural and typological authenticity.
A rare and evocative survivor from Indonesia’s Early Classical period, this ancient gold ring was crafted between the 8th and 10th centuries in Java - a major cultural and political centre of Southeast Asia.
Made from high-karat gold, the ring features a distinctive hexagonal bezel with a stylised variant of the ‘Sri’ motif - an abstract design representing Dewi Sri, the Javanese rice goddess. The Sri motif, found on rings from Central Java during this period, was believed to bring good fortune, fertility, and prosperity. As such, it functioned as both personal adornment and a powerful talisman.
The sharply geometric bezel shows stepped ‘brickwork’ decoration on the edges, likely echoing the architectural forms of temple reliefs and shrines of the region, while the hoop is a simple rounded form of approximately 2mm in thickness. The gold surface has developed a rich patina.
Gold rings such as this were not merely decorative: in ancient Java, they were symbols of status, ritual currency, and even protective emblems. The Old Javanese word for ‘ring’ is derived from a term meaning ‘guardian against enemies’, underscoring its amuletic role.
Measurements:
- Finger size: UK M ½ / US 6.5
- Bezel: 10 × 8 × 4 mm
- Hoop: 2 mm wide
- Weight: 7.05g
- Composition: Tests as 19K gold
Condition:
- Very good wearable condition for its age
- Surface wear and minor scratches consistent with age and burial
- A remarkable and wearable artefact of Southeast Asian antiquity
Museum Comparisons:
Comparable examples can be found in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, including: 1998.544.382, 1998.544.390, 2001.794.125, and 1998.544.381 (see final photo for example).
These pieces demonstrate the widespread use of the Sri motif in elite gold rings of the Central Javanese Period and affirm this ring’s cultural and typological authenticity.
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