Lot 96C
**First Time At Auction**
Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Java, ca. 8th to 10th century CE. An incredible electrum ring, comprised of 63.29% gold (equivalent to 15K+) and 34.98% silver, and a cabochon garnet enclosed in a bezel cup with four prongs. A twisted gold wire wraps around the bands to the terminal ends with capped tips- it should be noted that most rings from Java have solid bands - this type has been proposed by researchers to be used as an earring - although the opening gap simply could have been to adjust the size. Art from this Classical Period of Javanese culture often depicts people wearing two rings on each hand and a ring on each foot - a telling sign of the wealth and flourishing metallurgy production! Size of band: 1.125" Diameter (2.9 cm); interior: 0.8" Diameter (2 cm); bezel: 0.4" Diameter (1 cm); electrum quality: 63.29% (equivalent to 15K+) gold, 34.98% silver; weight: 7.4 grams
For a similar example see the Metropolitan Museum of Arts website, accession number: 1998.544.355.
Javanese society during this time were known for their proficiency in high-quality gold craftsmanship, alloying gold and silver to create both beautiful and durable pieces - and art from this period often depicts people wearing two rings on each hand and a ring on each foot! Javanese metalsmiths were adept at producing highly aesthetic pieces with particular alloys depending on the function of the final piece. Gold smithing was a highly regarded skill and art in Java, and the ways that gold purity was determined (rubbing on a touchstone, beating or hammering, or melting, etc.) became metaphors for human qualities and virtues.
Provenance: private Boynton Beach, Florida, USA collection; ex-private Susan Ollemans collection, London, UK
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#178608
- Condition: Minor nicks and pitting to bezel, otherwise intact and choice.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 26.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |