A CHAM REPOUSSÉ GOLD CRESCENT MOON PECTORAL DEPICTING... Lot n° 3

Central or southern Cham kingdom, 10th – 12th century. A gold pectoral in the form of a crescent moon with a medal-like mask of Kala (kirthimukha), the demon of passing time, in the center, flanked by many decorative floral designs and inlaid gemstones (red garnet and amethyst). The Kala (or kirthimukha) mask is a common motif in Cham art intended to evoke fear and dispel evil. 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: Good condition with traces of wear and age as well as extensive soil encrustation and fine patina. Weight: 14.6 g Dimensions: Height 3.8 cm, Width 9.3 cm Metallurgic analysis: Fine gold content 690/1000 Published: Gold Treasures of the Cham Kingdoms from the Collection of Dr. Zelnik Volume 2, no. 74 (page 123), 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.