A CHAM REPOUSSé GOLD HAIRPIN WITH KALA MASK
Central or southern Cham kingdom, classical period, 10th – 12th century. A long gold hairpin with an elaborate top executed in repoussé and finely decorated with gold thread, showing on both sides the head of Kala (kirthimukha), the demon of passing time, a common motif in Cham art intended to evoke fear and dispel evil. Kala’s head is surrounded with floral designs and shows an inlaid oval amethyst at the top.
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, only few traces of wear along with fine patina and soil encrustations.
Weight: 22.8 g
Dimensions: Length 17.7 cm
Metallurgic analysis: Fine gold content 719/1000
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.