 |
Klaten: Armlets and Rings
|
| |
 |
Klaten: Armlets and Rings
|
| |
|
Klaten: Armlets and Rings
INDONESIA, Central Java, Klaten; Central Java period (circa 7th–13th century), 9th–10th century; Gold; National Museum of Indonesia, Jakarta
The pair of armlets are shaped like a trefoil edged with a bead pattern. The thin gold layer on the outside was created using repousse, while the inner side is forged from bronze. The space between the two layers is filled with clay, and the center of each armlet features the kirtimukha with bulging eyes, exposed teeth, and horns on top of the head. Both sides of the armlet are carved with a makara, a form of sea creature. The kirtimukha symbolizes the sun, and the makara symbolizes water. The upper parts of the armlets are decorated with scroll leaf patterns.
The two rings each have lotus bases, but have different symbols on top. The ring with the double vajra is 5.6 cm high, while the ring with a conch with wings attached is 4.8 cm high. |
