Balinese Gold Priest's Ring
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A late 19th-century gold 'priest's ring' from Bali, in the southern Balinese style with hummingbirds on the shoulders.The birds' beaks act as prongs to hold the stone, an idea known from 15th-century East Java in Majapahit times, and their tails run down the band.Like other Balinese gem-set rings of the period, it is hollow, made in high-karat gold and set with a bright red polished glass cabochon in a conical bezel. The bezel is decorated with granulation (tiny gold balls) and rope work, the most typical feature of Balinese goldsmithing. A similar ring was offered at Sotheby's Hong Kong in 2021 in the 'Golden Splendour' sale from the Tuyet Nguyet and Stephen Markbreiter Collection (see final photo).Small, sculptural and full of character.Details: late 19th century; Bali, Indonesia; tests as 21K gold; red glass cabochon 6mm x 4.5mm x 2mm; stands approx. 9mm from the finger; UK I½, US 4½; 3.62g.Condition: Wearable. The glass is securely set, but there is heavy surface wear, giving a rough, worn look. There is a dent to one shoulder and evidence of a historic resizing.
Further reading: Gold of the Gods: Ancient Javanese and Balinese Rings
A late 19th-century gold 'priest's ring' from Bali, in the southern Balinese style with hummingbirds on the shoulders.
The birds' beaks act as prongs to hold the stone, an idea known from 15th-century East Java in Majapahit times, and their tails run down the band.
Like other Balinese gem-set rings of the period, it is hollow, made in high-karat gold and set with a bright red polished glass cabochon in a conical bezel. The bezel is decorated with granulation (tiny gold balls) and rope work, the most typical feature of Balinese goldsmithing. A similar ring was offered at Sotheby's Hong Kong in 2021 in the 'Golden Splendour' sale from the Tuyet Nguyet and Stephen Markbreiter Collection (see final photo).
Small, sculptural and full of character.
Details: late 19th century; Bali, Indonesia; tests as 21K gold; red glass cabochon 6mm x 4.5mm x 2mm; stands approx. 9mm from the finger; UK I½, US 4½; 3.62g.
Condition: Wearable. The glass is securely set, but there is heavy surface wear, giving a rough, worn look. There is a dent to one shoulder and evidence of a historic resizing.
Further reading: Gold of the Gods: Ancient Javanese and Balinese Rings
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