A RARE CHAM REPOUSSÉ GOLD PENDANT WITH DANCING INDRA AND ELEPHANTS
Central Cham kingdom, classical period, 10th – 12th century. Executed in repoussé, the central image of this superb gold pendant shows the Vedic deity Indra, the god of rain, thunder and prosperity. Indra is shown in a rare dancing pose, flanked by two of his mounts, the elephant. His feet are resting on a pedestal, decorated with a red gemstone in the middle. There are four decorative inlaid gemstones (garnet, amethyst) around his head.

Provenance: From an important European private collection. Acquired in Asia between 1960 and 1970. A private owner, acquired from the above.
Condition: Excellent condition, only few expected traces of age and wear as well as extensive soil encrustations.

Weight: 25.1 g
Dimensions: Length 9.8 cm
Metallurgic analysis: Fine gold content 679/1000

Literature comparison: Similar pendants are published in Gold Treasures of the Cham Kingdoms from the Collection of Dr. Zelnik Volume 1, no. 92 (page 76/77) and no. 93
(page 78/79), Budapest 2007.

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.