A PAIR OF CHAM REPOUSSÉ GOLD EAR ORNAMENTS IN... Lot n° 31

Champa, Thap Mam Style, 12th – 14th century. A pair of Cham gold earrings in the form of the mythical water beast Makara, a very prominent mythical animal of Hindu mythology and prominent across Southeast Asia. The dragon-like head and scaled skin resemble a crocodile. The creature has a fish tail, to which the suspending earring hooks are attached. The thin rims around the ornaments indicate the use of a mould. 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: Excellent condition with minor traces of wear. Weight: 12.3 g in total Dimensions: Size 5.7 x 2.7 cm each Metallurgic analysis: Fine gold content 651/1000 Published: Gold Treasures of the Cham Kingdoms from the Collection of Dr. Zelnik Volume 2, no. 16 (page 60), Budapest 2008. 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 materials added to the lot such as gemstones, soil encrustations, casting cores or other metals processed within the lot.