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27. Ring Khmer, Angkor period 10th-13th century Gold with rock crystal Diameter: 3.2 cm (1 1/4 ins) Size M (UK) |
A gold ring with a solid cast plain band, enlarged at the shoulders. The raised oval bezel resembles a moulded plinth below which are two rows of coiled wire. The ring is set with a rock crystal held in place by four triangular claws. Gold rings set with precious and semi-precious stones are an important element of decoration in most cultures. This ring is large and so may have been worn by a male member of the court or the monarch himself. Chou Ta-Kuan, the 13th century Chinese traveller, writes: On their arms they wear gold bracelets and rings of gold on their fingers: the palace women and court ladies also observe this fashion. It is thought that sculptures produced early in the Angkor period were adorned with actual pieces of jewellery, which would explain the large size and weight of some extant pieces. References: Chou Ta-Kuan, The Customs of Cambodia, The Siam Society Bangkok, 1987, Ch. 6, The Natives. McCullough, T.; Gold Jewellery; Pre-Angkor and Angkor Civilisations of Cambodia, Arts of Asia, March April 2000, pp. 70 78. Spink, M.; A Divine Art, Spink, London, 1997, p. 97, fig 31. |