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Earring

1200s

Cambodia

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Medium
bronze
Measurements
Overall: 6.4 x 3.7 cm (2 1/2 x 1 7/16 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1984.63.1
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Description

This earring is in the form of naga, or water serpent, one of the most popular decorative motifs in Cambodian art. While bronze objects such as furniture and palanquin fittings and finials, hooks, rings, etc., were among the most typical items of the classical Angkorean art (12th–13th century), jewelry is very rare. Originally, it must have been gilt. It is conceivable that this earring may not have been used as a regular ear ornament but enhanced a Khmer sculpture, a common practice, which would explain their heavy weight and large size.
A bronze earring features a vertically oriented teardrop shape with a hollow center and a textured green patina. It tapers at the top into a pointed peak with curved, flame-like shapes. Rounded protrusions line the outer edge, and a larger curled element extends into the central opening. The weathered surface is covered with varied bumps and depressions throughout.

Earring

1200s

Cambodia

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