Description A VERY RARE CHAM GOLD REPOUSSé SCULPTURE DEPICTING DURGA
Champa, 10th-12th century. The gold relief finely executed in repoussé depicting Durga, the goddess of war and warrior form of Uma, wife of Shiva, standing on a separately crafted silver lotus base executed in repoussé as well. The deity richly adorned in jewelry, with prominent naked breasts, wearing a long flowing skirt and an elaborate crown. The face showing a benign expression with a subtle smile, broad nose, almond-shaped eyes, and a mustache.
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, little verdigris, and soil encrustations.
Weight: 147.4 g
Dimensions: Height 23 cm
Published: The Zelnik Istvan Southeast Asian Gold Museum, page 99, Budapest 2013, and Gold Treasures of the Cham Kingdoms from the Collection of Dr. Zelnik Volume 1, no. 55 (pages 59 and 104), Budapest 2007. Art of Champa, Arts of Southeast Asia, inside back cover, Issue 4, 2020.
Assay data: Gold 61-62 %, Silver 36-37 %, traces of copper and zinc (the plaque). Silver 95-96 %, Copper 2-3 %, traces of gold, iron, and zinc (the base).