Description A UNIQUE SAMON VALLEY AGATE ‘DEITY’ TALISMAN
Samon Valley culture, 800 BC-200 AD. The translucent stone of a pale to iron red color with natural dark and light inclusions, finely carved and incised to represent a deity standing upright with the legs close together and the arms folded in front of the chest. Pierced through the sides to allow suspension as a pendant.
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 an agate of a very rare color and the talisman is original, ancient, cut by hand with carving, chiseling, boring, and grinding. The color is original and natural. The stone has been cleaned in a tumbler and re-polished by hand to a smooth and shiny surface. There are clear marks of authentic ancient craftsmanship. The holes are ancient, handmade, irregular, and funnel-shaped. 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: Very good condition with minor traces of age and wear.
Weight: 41.1 g
Dimensions: Height 5.2 cm