A CHAM REPOUSSÉ GOLD NECKLACE WITH A PECTORAL... Lot n° 16

Central or southern Cham kingdom, classical period, 10th – 12th century. A very impressive Cham necklace of museum quality composed of a repoussé gold pectoral depicting a seated Hindu deity surrounded by scroll motifs and eleven inlaid gemstones, mounted to a long chain of 17 hollow round repoussé gold tubes with fine decorations. 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 minor and expected traces of age and wear as well as extensive soil encrustations. Weight: 56.5 g Dimensions: Length of necklace 36 cm Metallurgic analysis: Fine gold content 671/1000 Published: Gold Treasures of the Cham Kingdoms from the Collection of Dr. Zelnik Volume 2, no. 61 (page 117), 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.