Description A CHAM ZIRCON AND AMETHYST-SET GOLD REPOUSSé PECTORAL DEPICTING NANDI AND NAGAS
Champa, 10th-12th century. The richly decorated pectoral with fine repoussé depicting Nandi, the holy white bull of Hindu mythology and mount of Shiva, the top section of the pectoral representing nagas but reminiscent of bull horns in their shape, surrounded by scrolling cloud designs, set with four gemstones (zircon and amethyst) above the bull. Two gold hooks allow the pectoral to be worn as a necklace.
Provenance: Ex-Collection of The Zelnik István Southeast Asian Gold Museum. Institutional art collection in Belgium, acquired from the above.
Condition: Very good condition with minor traces of age and wear as well as little verdigris and soil encrustations.
Weight: 21.2 g
Dimensions: Size 5.7 x 8.8 cm
Published: The Zelnik Istvan Southeast Asian Gold Museum, page 140, Budapest 2013.
Alloy composition range: Gold 64-72 %, Silver 24-28 %, Copper 2-4 %.