Pendant Composed of Two Sets of Volutes
Unknown Artist
3rd century–second half of the 10th century
Medium
Gold
Dimensions
1 3/4 × 1 1/4 × 1/16 in. (4.4 × 3.2 × 0.2 cm)
Classification
Jewelry
Culture & Period
Indonesia (Java) · Proto–classical or Central Javanese period
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Samuel Eilenberg-Jonathan P. Rosen Collection of Indonesian Gold, Bequest of Samuel Eilenberg and Gift of Jonathan P. Rosen, 1998
Accession Number
1998.544.269
Art Historical Context
This exquisite gold pendant, titled *Pendant Composed of Two of Volutes*, hails from Java, Indonesia, dating to the Proto-classical or Central Javanese period (rd century to the second half of the 10 century). Measuring just 1 3/4 × 1 1/4 inches, its delicate form showcases two symmetrical sets of spiraling volutes—elegant scroll motifs that evoke the organic flourishes seen in ancient Southeast Asian architecture and ornamentation. Crafted from pure gold, a precious material symbolizing wealth and divine favor, this jewelry piece reflects the sophisticated metalworking skills of Javanese arti...