RAMAYANA BOWL

This four-lobed oval gold bowl is one of the most remarkable objects found in Wonoboyo, Central Java. Its relief decorations were created, using the repousse technique, which was popular during the 9th and 10th centuries. Similarly shaped bowls used to be common in China, during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). The relief on the four sides of the bowl's body tells the epic story of the Ramayana, beginning with the exile of Prince Rama and his wife Sinta, and the abduction of Sinta by Rahwana. For that reason, the bowl has been named the Ramayana bowl.