The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of June 8, 2026

A gold, insect-like ornament features a rounded dome-shaped head above two horizontal, wing-like forms. Below these, two broad, curved legs descend, creating a central arched opening. The thin metal is heavily creased and folded throughout, suggesting a stylized beetle or figure. Its warm yellow surface has a slightly matte texture with small dark spots. These features together create a sense of aged fragility in the fragmented structure.

Gold Piece in Shape of Triratna

185–72 BCE

India, Shunga period

(185–78 BCE)

John L. Severance Fund 1973.61.2

Location: 242A Ancient India

{{cite web|title=Gold Piece in Shape of Triratna|url=false|author=|year=185–72 BCE|access-date=08 June 2026|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1973.61.2