Ancient Javanese Labyrinth Ring

This scarce ancient Javanese ring, crafted from high-karat gold (approx. 22K) during Indonesia's Early Classical period, dates from the 8th-10th century. Its small yet solid construction reflects the skilled artisanship of ancient Java, with a weight of 7.06 grams. Measuring 14mm wide by 10mm high (US size 1.5-2, UK size C-D), the ring is wearable and can be resized if desired.

The circular bezel, 8mm in diameter, is adorned with a labyrinth motif, a rare design symbolising fertility and often associated with the female reproductive system (Pernicka and Lockhoff, 2018). Bosch (1960 : 117–8, pl. 35) and Lunsingh Scheurleer (2012 : 69) believe that the swirling concentric structure is an extreme variant of the ‘Sri’ motif, representing the Javanese goddess Dewi Sri. Rings with this motif were believed to bring good fortune to the wearer in the Central Javanese Period. The ring’s shoulders, designed in a distinctive stirrup shape, echo the form of water buffalo horns—a traditional element in Javanese jewellery design.

Java, one of the most prominent islands in the Indonesian archipelago, has long been a centre of art and civilisation. Gold jewellery, particularly rings, held great significance in ancient Java, serving not only as a symbol of wealth and power but also as a form of currency and payment for goods, services, and ceremonial events. Rings were believed to carry magical properties, offering protection and fortune to the wearer. The term ‘ring’ in Old Javanese translates to ‘guardian against enemy,’ highlighting its cultural importance.

This ring is in good, wearable condition, an impressive survivor of its age and heritage. A similar example can be seen in Java Gold: The Wealth of Rings by Pernicka and Lockhoff (2018), p.176 inventory number: 04034.

8世紀から12世紀にかけて、ジャワ島はインドネシアの古典的なヒンドゥー・仏教王国の中心であり、ボロブドゥールやプランバナンといった壮大な寺院が築かれた時代でした。それはまさに黄金の時代でもありました。金は社会のあらゆる階層に行き渡り、身に着けられ、交易され、贈り物や婚礼の品として贈られ、罰金の支払いにさえ用いられました。ジャワは古代世界における偉大な金細工の中心地のひとつだったのです。

この文明では非常に多くの金が流通していたため、古代ジャワのリングは今日まで残り、新たな発見も続いています。高純度の金で作られた大胆で重厚な品々で、太いリング腕と大きなベゼルは、人目を惹くために作られています。多くには、稲・繁栄・豊穣の女神スリの名や姿、蓮の花や法螺貝などの神聖なモチーフといった重要な象徴が刻まれています。

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