A CHAM REPOUSSÉ GOLD PENDANT WITH STONE INTAGLIO... Lot n° 12

Central or southern Cham kingdom, classical period, 10th – 12th century. The intaglio dates to the late 19th or early 20th century. An oval gold pendant with a stone intaglio, depicting a standing Hindu deity, cut into chalcedony, surrounded by floral decorations executed in repoussé and with three inlaid gemstones above the stone intaglio. The back of the pendant shows a Kala mask, distinguished from the similar lion head by the fact that there is only one row of teeth. 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: Excellent condition, only few expected traces of age and wear as well as soil encrustations. Weight: 14.6 g Dimensions: Height 5.1 cm, Width 3.1 cm Metallurgic analysis: Fine gold content 670/1000 Published: Gold Treasures of the Cham Kingdoms from the Collection of Dr. Zelnik Volume 1, no. 80 (page 113), 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 w