Gold and Jewelry from the Islands of Gold

Gold and jewellery a precious commodity admired for its beauty, rarity and monetary value. These items were also found in Cirebon cargo in very impressive condition. These items include sword hilts and semi-finished gold materials.

In 4th century BCE that Southeast Asia began to be associated with names such as “Land of Gold” (Suvaṇṇabhūmi), “Wall of Gold” (Suvarṇakudya), “Islands of Gold” (Suvarṇadvīpa) and “Golden Peninsula” (Khersonese).

Octagonal handle, the distal end with a cylindrical hole to receive the blade; inscribed with Arabic script, decorative motifs consisting of triangles formed by dots, leafy scrolls and floral petals in octagonal petals, tapering to a sharp point. 

Octagonal handle, the distal end with a cylindrical hole to receive the blade; inscribed with Arabic script, decorative motifs consisting of triangles formed by dots, leafy scrolls and floral petals in octagonal petals, tapering to a sharp point. 

The Golden sword hilt may have been a private possession or a diplomatic gift.

The jewelry set with gems resembles items from other collections. They are better preserved, however, because they still have their gems in place, whereas in most examples from land sites the gems are gone. 

The style of the pendant at lower left is unique. The rings at lower right are of common form, but the stippling of the surfaces is a new variation.

The oval-shaped bowl with four lobes is unusual, because it seems to have been outfitted with a cover. In other respects it resembles known examples such as the one from Wonoboyo, Central Java, although the decoration of this one is simpler.

The goldsmiths in Java may have ordered these to be left plain, so that they could add their own design to the bowl.