An ancient Hindu-Javanese gold fan or fly-whisk finial

A Hindu-Javanese gold kris hilt in the form of a Rakshasa

An ambergris and gold Indonesian or Dutch colonial perfume pendant in the form of a mangosteen fruit

Ambergris, or ‘Ambar’ in Indonesian, is often dubbed the ‘gold of the sea’. It is a rare and precious substance with a history as intriguing as its aroma. Originating from the intestines of sperm whales, it forms when the whale's digestive system produces a secretion to envelop and protect its intestines from the sharp beaks of consumed squid. Over time, this substance hardens and is either expelled by the whale or becomes part of its remains when it dies.

An ancient Hindu-Javanese spinel-set gold pendant

Indonesia, Central Java, Central Javanese period, Mataram Kingdom, circa 9th-10th century