A CHAM REPOUSSé GOLD BRACELET WITH A GEMSTONE FLOWER AND ELEPHANTS
Champa, classical period, 10th – 12th century. The exterior of this impressive bangle-type bracelet is executed in repoussé with fine decorations all over. A floral composition of inlaid gemstones (amethyst and zircon) marks the upper side of the bracelet, flanked on both sides by elephant heads with long trunks. Not only is the elephant the mount of the Hindu god Indra – elephant heads were also a very common architectural ornament in Cham architecture and consequently a beloved design motif in Cham jewelry.
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 few expected traces of age and wear as well as extensive soil encrustations. One of the inlaid gemstones is missing.
Weight: 35.4 g
Dimensions: Outer Diameter 8.0 cm, Inner Diameter 6.8 cm
Metallurgic analysis: Fine gold content 611/1000
Published: The Zelnik Istvan Southeast Asian Gold Museum (page 68-69), Budapest 2013.
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.