A RARE CHAM REPOUSSé GOLD HAIRPIN WITH DANCING KALA
Central Cham kingdom, most probably Vijaya, classical period, 10th – 12th century. The top of the hairpin, executed in repoussé and decorated with gold thread, shows a rare depiction of a dancing Kala (kirthimukha), the demon of passing time, on both sides with an oval gemstone (zircon or garnet) above his head, with a small ball-shaped ornament below with four inlaid gemstones and further gold thread decorations.
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 patina and soil encrustations.
Weight: 25.3 g
Dimensions: Length 17.5 cm
Metallurgic analysis: Fine gold content 672/1000
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.