This finely worked piece is a miniature model of a Javanese temple. It was made by beating sheet metal – a technique known as repoussé. The shape was probably formed in a mould using several pieces of sheet gold. There are guarding figures at the front entrance that may indicate that this is a temple for the Hindu god Shiva. The eight-tiered roof has more guardian figures placed at the corners. Makara, or mythical sea monsters with the body of a fish and head of an elephant have large snouts that are clearly visible. The other three entrances have been depicted as sealed by bricks although the door frames still remain.
