Ring with kawi insciption

This cast gold ring features an old Javanese inscription in a Sanskrit devised text known as kawi and probably dates to between the 11th and 13th century. These heavy gold rings are believed to have been used by their wearers as seal rings to place a mark on wax. The inscriptions are highly stylised and difficult to translate but known examples include words such as ‘sarat’, (the entire world), ‘mahana’ (a Brahmin), ‘brati’ (a penintent), and ‘pujana’ (worship). They appear to be associated with spiritual or religious matters and may have served as reminders to their wearers of spiritual ideals.

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