This beautifully produced and illustrated book, ideal for collectors and curators, is the most comprehensive book ever published on the silver and gold ware of the Malay people of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, southern Thailand and Brunei. Hundreds of colour photographs of previously unpublished items, and meticulous research, are used to tell not just the story of Malay gold and silver, but that of the Malay people, with reference to their princely regalia, banqueting items, betel sets, jewellery, silver and gold-encased weapons, and other items of adornment and finery.

In addition, previously unrecognised gold items made by the Malays for the 18th century European market are identified, and other items of silverware now in museum collections and believed to be Malay are shown not to be. Michael Backman also shows how 19th century collecting for museums and private collections, and colonialism itself, all distorted our view of Malay gold and silver today, if not the Malays themselves, and also influenced what was produced.

He weaves a complex story, and in doing so, reveals the Malays' rich, dynamic and sophisticated legacy, one that is little understood today. .