Earring with Animal Head, Indonesia, Java, c. 1300 - c. 1500, gold, h 3cm × w 3cm. Courtesy Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

In Ancient Java, gold ornaments were worn by both men and women and the making of gold jewellery reached a high art, particularly during the 13th and 15th centuries. This selection shows examples from various periods and styles, including hightly detailed figurative pieces from East Java. Some illustrate mythological creatures, such as Garuda, or auspicious symbols for ptotection and good fortune.

Hair Jewellery, Indonesia, Java, 1400 - 1500, gold, 2.2 centimeters × h × d b 4,0cm 1,7cm. Courtesy Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

Earring with Demon Face, Indonesia, Java, c. 1200 - c. 1400, gold, h 3.6cm. Courtesy Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

Couple female figurines, East Java, ca. 1300 - ca. 1 400, gold, repoussé, H 3.5cm × W 6,0cm. Courtesy Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

Four Angular ornament, East Javanese, ca. 1300 - ca. 1400  gold, H 1.5cm. Courtesy Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

Ear ornament, East Javanese, 1300 - 1400, gold, H × W 6cm 2,3cm. Courtesy Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

Golden plate with Garuda, East Javanese, 1300 - 1400, gold, H × W 3,0cm 4,8cm. Courtesy Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

Decorative Plate from an Ear Disc, East Javanese, c. 1300 - c. 1600, gold, d 5.8cm. Courtesy Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

Ring with luck symbol (Shri), East Javanese, ca. 800 - ca. 1200, gold, d 2cm. Courtesy Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

Shame Plate for a woman, East Javanese, ca. 1300 - ca. 1400, gold, repoussé, h 9,0cm × 9,5cm b. Courtesy Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

Necklace, East Javanese, c. 900 - c. 1000, gold, l 29.0cm. Courtesy Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

Pair of Earrings, Java, c. 1200 - c. 1400, gold, d 4.8cm. Courtesy Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

Turned ring, Indo-Javanese, 800 - 1600, gold, d 2,3cm. Courtesy Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. 

Ring, decorated with lotus seeds, Java, 800 - 1000, gold, 2.2 centimeters d. Courtesy Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.