A CHAM GOLD PENDANT WITH HEAD OF KALA Lot n° 23

Central or southern Cham kingdom, Tra Kieu Style, 11th – 12th century. The widening end of this pendulum-like stem features an expressive head of Kala (kirthimukha), the demon of passing time, 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. Kala’s expressive head is surrounded with fine floral motifs, the tapering stem decorated with two lines of three oval gemstones (amethyst and zircon) each. 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 and fine patina. Weight: Total 24.9 g Dimensions: Height 10.4 cm Metallurgic analysis: Fine gold content 670/1000 Published: Gold Treasures of the Cham Kingdoms from the Collection of Dr. Zelnik Volume 2, no. 78 (page 80-81), 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