Finial

Title

Finial

Year/Period

8th-11th century

Region

Java, Indonesia

Object Type

finials, ritual vessels, ornaments (object genre)

Material

gold (metal)

Technique

goldsmithing

Dimension

Object size: L 5.1 x H 5.8

Accession No.

1997-04017

Collection of

Asian Civilisations Museum

Credit Line

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Andy Ng

This gold finial is a kendi spout in ‘naga’ form, a mythical serpent in Hindu-Buddhist mythology. It has a highly ornamented crown and scale-like body. This ornament was made during the Indo-Javanese period which saw the use of Indian symbols in Javanese goldwork. It could have been a ritual vessel used in temple ceremonies which emphasized the symbolism of water and employed the use of water vessels such as kendi and ewers. The use of naga as spout reflects the symbolism of naga as an underwater creature.