A PAIR OF BALL-SHAPED CHAM REPOUSSÉ GOLD EAR ORNAMENTS... Lot n° 35

Champa, classical period, 10th – 12th century. Executed in repoussé, each composed of two gold balls attached together, the smaller hollow ball above the larger one. The bottom side of the larger ball is crafted in the form of a lion’s head while the top side is inlaid with three zircons. 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: Overall in very good condition with minor traces of wear and age as well as extensive patina and soil encrustation. Weight: 19.7 g Dimensions: Larger Ball Size 5.9 x 2.8 cm, Smaller Ball Diameter 1.5 cm, Total Length 6 cm Metallurgic analysis: Fine gold content 715/1000 Published: Gold Treasures of the Cham Kingdoms from the Collection of Dr. Zelnik Volume 1, no. 12 (page 89), 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 materials added to the lot such as gemstones, soil encrustations, casting cores or other metals processed within the lot.