A CHAM REPOUSSÉ GOLD PENDANT DEPICTING INDRA ... Lot n° 10

Central Cham kingdom, classical period, 10th – 12th century. Executed in repoussé, the central image of this superb pendant shows the main Vedic deity Indra, the god of rain, thunder and prosperity, dancing, a very rare depiction. Indra is holding the thunderbolt (vajra) in his right hand and a ritual vessel in his left. The deity is surrounded by splendid cloud-like designs with decorative inlaid gemstones (garnet and amethyst) above his head and below his feet. Provenance: From the collection of Dr. Istvan Zelnik, Hungary. Dr. Zelnik has built one of the most fascinating and vast collections of South East Asian artworks during the past 4 decades. His collection is considered one of the three most important published collections in the world and he is the director of the Hungarian South and Southeast Asian Research Institute. An official attest by the Hungarian South and Southeast Asian Research Institute signed by Dr. Zelnik can be provided to the high bidder upon request after payment for the object has been made in full. A private owner, acquired from the above several years ago. Condition: Very good condition with only few expected traces of wear as well as extensive soil encrustations. Weight: 30.0 g Dimensions: Height 10 cm, Width 7 cm Metallurgic analysis: Fine gold content 669/1000 Literature comparison: Similar pendants are published in Gold Treasures of the Cham Kingdoms from the Collection of Dr. Zelnik Volume 1, no. 92 (page 76/77) and no. 93 (page 78/79), Budapest 2007. Metallurgic Analysis The data from the metallurgic analysis posted in the catalogue entry for each lot in this auction relates to the proportion of fine gold contained in the gold alloy only. It does not relate to the gross weight of the lot, as the gross weight typically consists of the weight of the gold alloy and the weight of other