A CHAM GOLD REPOUSSÉ PENDANT DEPICTING SHIVA ... Lot n° 24

Central Cham kingdom, most probably Vijaya, Tra Kieu Style, 11th – 12th century. The figure in the center of this pendant represents the Cham’s most venerated deity, Lord Shiva. This representation shows Shiva performing his cosmic dance, a symbol of the destruction and creation of the universe. Shiva is surrounded with fine design motifs, with inlaid gemstones (zircon) in the four corners of the pectoral. 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: 16.8 g Dimensions: Height 9 cm, Width 6.4 cm Metallurgic analysis: Fine gold content 647/1000 Literature comparison: Similar Cham pectorals are published in Gold Treasures of the Cham Kingdoms from the Collection of Dr. Zelnik Volume 1, no. 93 (page 78-79), Budapest, 2007, and Volume 2, no. 71 (page 70-71), 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