Majapahit Javanese Gold Pendant

This beautiful, baluster-form, gold pendant comprises repoussed high-carat gold sheet over what is probably a lac core. The sides are lightly faceted, to present six sides and these are decorated with spiky vegetal motifs that run vertically. It has a small gold loop at the top to allow suspension. The base is enclosed with plain gold sheet.

It dates to the latter part of Majapahit rule on Java – a time when Buddhism and Hinduism co-existed on Java, and just prior to the coming of Islam.

Possibly, it was originally intended as an ear pendant, perhaps for a man. Such an ear pendant but with a rock crystal component, is illustrated in Polak (2022, p. 366). Possibly it served in part as a fly whisk handle.

The item here is in a fine and stable condition. Today, it would be most suitable to be worn as a pendant from the neck.