AN EXQUISITE AND EXCEPTIONALLY RARE CHAM LINGAM WITH FOUR GOLD SHIVA HEADS
Champa, c. 10th century for the heads, the base and lingam are of later date, 17th – 19th century. A caturmukha linga, that is a lingam with four faces, executed in repoussé silver with the Shiva heads made from a natural gold alloy, crafted from several parts joined with solder. The heads are riveted to the body and silver bands fixed to the heads and body give further stability. The cylindrical pedestal is made from silver as well and is divided into four horizontal bands with different decorations like lotus petals, female breasts, and geometric elements. An extremely rare piece, especially considering its excellent state of preservation!
Provenance: From an important European private collection. Acquired in Asia between 1960 and 1970. A private owner, acquired from the above.
Condition: Excellent condition with little wear, such as tarnishing and smaller dents.
Weight: 1,758 g
Dimensions: Height 34.5 cm, Base Diameter 19 cm
Metallurgic analysis: The fine gold content of the gold heads (excluding the silver lingam and base) is 638/1000.
Mukhalingas are very rich in symbolism, based on the mythology of Shiva, revered as the Supreme Being by the Cham, but also connected with concepts of Indian philosophy and royalty. The four heads, facing the four cardinal directions, symbolize Shiva’s omnipresence. A fifth head is often mentioned in old Cham stone inscriptions, representing Shiva’s transcendental form which is not to be depicted. Together, the five faces represent the five elements and the five royal qualities. The heads are beautifully crafted and are characteristic of the Tra Kieu style, with broad faces marked by large, almond eyes, flat noses with wide nostrils, continuous eyebrow lines, small chins, full lips and thick mustaches. The eyes and lips are accentuated with embossed lines. The third eye on each head is set with an inlaid ruby.
Published: Gold Treasures of the Cham Kingdoms from the Collection of Dr. Zelnik Volume 1, no. 68 (pages 63-65), Budapest 2007; The Zelnik Istvan Southeast Asian Gold Museum, pages 226-229, 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.