A CHAM GOLD NECKLACE WITH A FINE REPOUSSÉ GOLD... Lot n° 14

Central Cham kingdom, most probably Vijaya, classical period, 10th – 12th century. A very finely worked gold pectoral, showing Lord Shiva, a sword in his right hand and a trident in his left. Shiva, the most celebrated god of the Cham people, is surrounded by cloud-like designs and several inlaid gemstones (amethyst and zircon). This impressive pectoral is fixed to a woven gold chain to function as a necklace. 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 traces of wear and age as well as fine patina and soil encrustation. Weight: 100.1 g Dimensions: Length of necklace 62 cm, Height of pectoral 6.9 cm, Width of pectoral 8 cm Metallurgic analysis: Fine gold content 641/1000 Literature comparison: A similar piece is published in Gold Treasures of the Cham Kingdoms from the Collection of Dr. Zelnik Volume 2, no. 67 (page 120), 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 gems