Title
Ear ornament with elaborate lotus cushion
Year/Period
8th-11th century
Region
Java, Indonesia
Object Type
Material
Technique
Dimension
Object size: L3.0 x W2.4 cm
Accession No.
1997-03668
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Andy Ng
This is an ear ornament with a lotus design. The lotus has a special and sacred symbolism in Hinduism and Buddhism. It represents purity as its flowers grow on long stalks which are rooted in the mud. It is also symbolic of detachment as drops of water easily slide off its petals. Both men and women wore ear ornaments and they had their earlobes pierced. 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, gold was also used to make religious items.
