A CORUNDUM-SET GOLD ‘FLOWERS AND BIRD’ PRIEST’S RINGIndonesia, Bali, 19th to early 20th century. The gold ring with a conical bezel surmounted by a corundum cabochon, held by a beak-shaped brace, the bezel with intricate granular decorations.Provenance: From the private collection of a diplomat in England, and thence by descent to the last owner.Condition: Good condition with some old wear, one brace missing, traces of use and some manufacturing irregularities.Weight: 3.8 gDimensions: Height 2.2 cmGoldsmiths in Bali are masters of the granulation technique. Small gold grains are delicately soldered to the ring surface to create intricate designs. A gold strip is additionally folded over the primary gem, holding the stone and forming a collar around it. This lot is a remarkable example of the southern Balinese style, with the birds' beaks serving as prongs to hold the ruby stone (one of two missing), a concept known from the Majapahit Empire that flourished in the 14th century.Auction resultparison:Type: Closely relatedAuction: Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 28 July 2021, lot 1054Price: HKD 16,380 or approx.EUR 2,100 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writingDescription: A gem-set gold priest's ring Bali, Indonesia, 19th - early 20th centuryExpert remark:pare the closely related form and decorations of the gold ring