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Earring

1200s

Cambodia

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Medium
bronze
Measurements
Overall: 6.1 x 3.7 cm (2 3/8 x 1 7/16 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1984.63.2
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, aged with a thick green patina, features a circular ring with small protrusions lining the outer edge. Inside the ring, a small serpent-like head projects upward. Rising from the top is a vertical crest of layered, scrolling leaf-like forms that taper to a point. The entire surface is heavily textured with organic, swirling details, giving the ornament a weathered and ancient appearance.

Earring

1200s

Cambodia

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