A CHAM GOLD NECKLACE WITH A FINE REPOUSSé GOLD PECTORAL DEPICTING SHIVA
Central Cham kingdom, most probably Vijaya, classical period, 10th – 12th century. A very finely worked gold pectoral, showing Lord Shiva, a sword in his right hand and a trident in his left. Shiva, the most celebrated god of the Cham people, is surrounded by cloud-like designs and several inlaid gemstones (amethyst and zircon). This impressive pectoral is fixed to a woven gold chain to function as a necklace.
Provenance: From an important European private collection. Acquired in Asia between 1960 and 1970. A private owner, acquired from the above.
Condition: Very good condition with traces of wear and age as well as fine patina and soil encrustation.
Weight: 100.1 g
Dimensions: Length of necklace 62 cm, Height of pectoral 6.9 cm, Width of pectoral 8 cm
Metallurgic analysis: Fine gold content 641/1000
Literature comparison: A similar piece is published in Gold Treasures of the Cham Kingdoms from the Collection of Dr. Zelnik Volume 2, no. 67 (page 120), 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.