5261

Enquiry about object: 5261

    Your First Name (required)

    Your Last Name (required)

    Your Email (required)

    Your Country (required)

    Your Message

    Javanese Necklace of Early Gold Beads

    Central Java, Indonesia
    Early Classical Period, 8th century

    length: 65.3cm weight: 37.7g

    Sold

    Provenance

    private collection, London.

    – scroll down to see further images –

    This necklace of fine gold beads from Java’s Early Classical Period comprises dozens of beads of graduated sizes and a variety of shapes and includes beads that are cylindrical, of square or cushion-shaped.

    The beads are arranged so that the largest are in the middle of the necklace and those that are smallest and finest are towards the ends.

    Each bead is of solid gold rather than gold sheet filled with lack, so each seems appropriately heavy for its size.

    Examples of  necklaces of related gold beads are illustrated in Geoffroy-Schneiter (2011, p. 249) and Miksic (1990, p. 66).

    Large quantities of gold jewellery and other items have been found in central and East Java dating from this period. It was a time when Buddhism and Hinduism seem to have peacefully co-existed at the same time.

    The necklace has been restrung so that it is safe to wear and a modern clasp has been fitted. (Beads of this period typically are found with the stringing rotted away and no clasp.) The gold content of the beads varies but is at least 14 carats.

    References

    Bremer, S., Goud der Goden: Uitt het oude Java, Wereldmuseum Rotterdam Publishers, 2014.
    Geoffroy-Schneiter, B., Asian Jewellery: Ethnic Rings, Bracelets, Necklaces, Earrings, Belts, Head Ornaments, Skira, 2011.
    Miksic, J., Old Javanese Gold, Ideation, 1990.

    Dozens of items are added to our website each month. Be among the first to know about them.
     
    Sign up to our monthly catalogue