Title
Ear Ornament in the shape of Mount Meru
Year/Period
8th- 11th century
Region
Java, Indonesia
Object Type
Material
Technique
Dimension
Object size: L1.5 x W1.2 cm
Accession No.
1997-03704
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Andy Ng
This ear ornament depicts a mountain peak around which clouds swirl. Mountains are important symbols in Java as they are believed to be places for meditation to gain enlightenment. Javanese temples were in fact replicas of Mount Meru, the abode of gods. Although India-derived symbols were used in Javanese jewellery during this period of time, the nature of that interaction between indigenous and Indian culture remains a subject of debate. Besides jewellery for adornment, gold was also used to make religious items during this period.
