Ancient Javanese Gold Ring
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From the Journal
Gold of the Gods: Ancient Javanese and Balinese Rings
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A rare early Javanese ring from the Central Javanese Period (8th–10th century AD), crafted in high-karat gold and engraved with a floral and 'Sri' motif symbolic of prosperity, protection, and divine favour. This is a remarkable example of ancient Southeast Asian goldwork, both artistically and culturally significant.Cast in solid high-karat gold (testing as 18K), the ring features a raised circular bezel measuring 12mm across. The face is engraved with a stylised vegetal motif, surmounted by a variant of the ‘Sri’ symbol - a reference to Dewi Sri, the Javanese goddess of fertility, wealth and rice. Such rings were worn as protective talismans and symbols of abundance, particularly within the royal and priestly classes of Central Java.The band is deeply evocative of ancient handcraft. Smooth and thick, it flares subtly at the shoulders, with one side retaining slightly more metal than the other; a charming hallmark of its handmade construction. The surface shows a soft ancient patina, consistent with age, but the ring remains in verywearable condition.This piece was later stamped with the French owl import mark (used from 1893 onwards) - a legal hallmark applied to foreign precious metal items entering the French art market.Java, the cultural and political heart of early Indonesia, was a major centre of gold production and artistic innovation during this period. Rings such as this were used not only as personal adornment, but also as currency, temple offerings, and ritual symbols. In Old Javanese, the word for ring translates to "guardian against enemy", reflecting the talismanic nature of such pieces.
- UK ring size: H ½ / US size: 4
- Weight: 8.32g
- Tests as high-karat gold (approx. 18K)
Condition:Good condition for its considerable age. Structurally sound and wearable with care.Comparable Museum Examples:- Metropolitan Museum of Art: 1998.544.401, 2001.794.142, 1998.544.389, 1998.544.381
- British Museum: AF.2382
A rare early Javanese ring from the Central Javanese Period (8th–10th century AD), crafted in high-karat gold and engraved with a floral and 'Sri' motif symbolic of prosperity, protection, and divine favour. This is a remarkable example of ancient Southeast Asian goldwork, both artistically and culturally significant.
Cast in solid high-karat gold (testing as 18K), the ring features a raised circular bezel measuring 12mm across. The face is engraved with a stylised vegetal motif, surmounted by a variant of the ‘Sri’ symbol - a reference to Dewi Sri, the Javanese goddess of fertility, wealth and rice. Such rings were worn as protective talismans and symbols of abundance, particularly within the royal and priestly classes of Central Java.
The band is deeply evocative of ancient handcraft. Smooth and thick, it flares subtly at the shoulders, with one side retaining slightly more metal than the other; a charming hallmark of its handmade construction. The surface shows a soft ancient patina, consistent with age, but the ring remains in verywearable condition.
This piece was later stamped with the French owl import mark (used from 1893 onwards) - a legal hallmark applied to foreign precious metal items entering the French art market.
Java, the cultural and political heart of early Indonesia, was a major centre of gold production and artistic innovation during this period. Rings such as this were used not only as personal adornment, but also as currency, temple offerings, and ritual symbols. In Old Javanese, the word for ring translates to "guardian against enemy", reflecting the talismanic nature of such pieces.
- UK ring size: H ½ / US size: 4
- Weight: 8.32g
- Tests as high-karat gold (approx. 18K)
Condition:
Good condition for its considerable age. Structurally sound and wearable with care.
Comparable Museum Examples:
- Metropolitan Museum of Art: 1998.544.401, 2001.794.142, 1998.544.389, 1998.544.381
- British Museum: AF.2382
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