Enquiry about object: 8659
Early Javanese Silver & Gold Ring
Central Java, Indonesia circa 14th century
US ring size: 5.25; UK ring size: K, weight: 9.6g
Provenance
Estate Collection of Tom White MBE, a former UK diplomat who served in Southeast Asia in the 1960s & 1970s.
This especially pleasing finger ring has a hoop of solid cast silver, and a recessed bezel set with a red cabochon stone in a high gold box setting surrounded by fine gold granules.
The shoulders are high and ridged.
A gold ring of related form is illustrated in Lunsingh Scheurleer (2012, p. 130) and is attributed to the Central Javanese Period (ie 700AD-1000AD). This earlier ring can ben seen as a prototype for the example here.
The ring is in a fine, stable and wearable condition. It has a fine patina, and obvious age. The shape is unusual and attractive.
References
Bremer, S., Goud der Goden: Uitt het oude Java, Wereldmuseum Rotterdam Publishers, 2014.
Lunsingh Scheurleer, P., Gold from Java/Goud uit Java, Gemeentemuseum Den Haag/W Books, 2012.
Miksic, J., Old Javanese Gold, Ideation, 1990.
