Description THREE KHMER EMPIRE ROCK CRYSTAL LINGAMS
Khmer Empire, Pre-Angkor period, 8th-10th century (the thinnest), and Angkor period, 10th-14th century. The three rock crystal lingams of oblong shape, the stones of varying clarity and translucence with natural white to brown inclusions, the thinnest and oldest finely incised to indicate the head of a phallus.
This piece was personally examined by Burmese American archaeologist and gemologist Terence Tan, a leading expert in Pyu art and Burmese gemstones, and Hungarian gemologist Dr. József Takács. Their analysis finds that the stone is a rock crystal and the lingams are original, ancient, cut and carved by hand. The color and patina are original and natural. The lingams were found in the Tonle Sap River close to Angkor Wat during the 1970s. The thinnest and oldest lingam has been cleaned by hand. A certificate signed by Dr. Zelnik attesting to the above will be handed to the winning bidder upon request.
Provenance: Ex-Collection of The Zelnik István Southeast Asian Gold Museum. Institutional art collection in Belgium, acquired from the above.
Condition: Good condition with minor traces of age and wear, some natural fissures to the stones, which may have developed into fine cracks, as well as signs of erosion.
Weight: 270.3 g
Dimensions: Length 6-7 cm
Literature comparison: Similar pieces are in the National Museum of Cambodia, for example inventory numbers Ka.3276 and Ka.3275.