A CHAM GOLD REPOUSSÉ PENDANT DEPICTING SHIVA WITH... Lot n° 15

Champa, classical period, 10th century. The pendant executed in repoussé depicting Shiva, the most venerated Hindu deity among the Cham. Shiva is portrayed with an ascetic’s head and fish-scale hair, as was the dominant style in Champa art at the time, with a two-tier bun, full mustache and showing a benevolent smile. This depiction suggests this piece was crafted towards the end of the Dong Duong period during the 10th century. 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 slight soil encrustation. Weight: 39.8 g Dimensions: Height 8.7 cm, Width 7.9 cm Metallurgic analysis: Fine gold content 665/1000 Literature comparison: A similar Cham pendant is published in Gold Treasures of the Cham Kingdoms from the Collection of Dr. Zelnik Volume 2, no. 80 (page 84-85), 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