A CORUNDUM-SET GOLD 'FLOWERS AND BIRD' PRIEST'S RING
A CORUNDUM-SET GOLD 'FLOWERS AND BIRD' PRIEST'S RING
Indonesia, Bali, 19th to early 20th century. The gold ring with a conical bezel surmounted by a corundum cabochon, held by a beak-shaped brace, the bezel with intricate granular decorations.
Provenance: From the private collection of a diplomat in England, and thence by descent to the last owner.
Condition: Good condition with some old wear, one brace missing, traces of use and some manufacturing irregularities.
Weight: 3.8 g
Dimensions: Height 2.2 cm
Goldsmiths in Bali are masters of the granulation technique. Small gold grains are delicately soldered to the ring surface to create intricate designs. A gold strip is additionally folded over the primary gem, holding the stone and forming a collar around it. This lot is a remarkable example of the southern Balinese style, with the birds' beaks serving as prongs to hold the ruby stone (one of two missing), a concept known from the Majapahit Empire that flourished in the 14th century.
Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Sotheby's Hong Kong, 28 July 2021, lot 1054
Price: HKD 16,380 or approx. EUR 2,100 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A gem-set gold priest's ring Bali, Indonesia, 19th - early 20th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related form and decorations of the gold ring
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A CORUNDUM-SET GOLD 'FLOWERS AND BIRD' PRIEST'S RING
Indonesia, Bali, 19th to early 20th century. The gold ring with a conical bezel surmounted by a corundum cabochon, held by a beak-shaped brace, the bezel with intricate granular decorations.
Provenance: From the private collection of a diplomat in England, and thence by descent to the last owner.
Condition: Good condition with some old wear, one brace missing, traces of use and some manufacturing irregularities.
Weight: 3.8 g
Dimensions: Height 2.2 cm
Goldsmiths in Bali are masters of the granulation technique. Small gold grains are delicately soldered to the ring surface to create intricate designs. A gold strip is additionally folded over the primary gem, holding the stone and forming a collar around it. This lot is a remarkable example of the southern Balinese style, with the birds' beaks serving as prongs to hold the ruby stone (one of two missing), a concept known from the Majapahit Empire that flourished in the 14th century.
Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Sotheby's Hong Kong, 28 July 2021, lot 1054
Price: HKD 16,380 or approx. EUR 2,100 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A gem-set gold priest's ring Bali, Indonesia, 19th - early 20th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related form and decorations of the gold ring
