A CHAM REPOUSSé GOLD PENDANT DEPICTING SHIVA DANCING
Central Cham kingdom, probably Vijaya, classical period, 10th – 12th century. The central image of this superb pendant executed in repoussé shows the four-armed Shiva dancing. His sword is held in his right hand while his trident is held in the left. Shiva’s upper arms are raised with the hands clasped over his head. The dancing deity is surrounded by rich decorations and seven inlaid oval gemstones (garnet or zircon).
Provenance: From an important European private collection. Acquired in Asia between 1960 and 1970. A private owner, acquired from the above.
Condition: Excellent condition, only few traces of wear and minor damage on some of the gemstones as well as extensive soil encrustations.
Weight: 32.5 g
Dimensions: Length 10.0 cm
Metallurgic analysis: Fine gold content 667/1000
Literature comparison: Similar pendants are published in Gold Treasures of the Cham Kingdoms from the Collection of Dr. Zelnik Volume 1, no. 92 (page 76/77) and no. 93
(page 78/79), Budapest 2007.
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.