A CHAM REPOUSSÉ GOLD PENDANT WITH STONE INTAGLIO DEPICTING A HINDU DEITY
Central or southern Cham kingdom, classical period, 10th – 12th century. An oval gold pendant with a stone intaglio, depicting a standing Hindu deity, cut into chalcedony, surrounded by floral decorations executed in repoussé and with three inlaid gemstones above the stone intaglio. The back of the pendant shows a Kala mask, distinguished from the similar lion head by the fact that there is only one row of teeth. The Kala (or kirthimukha) mask is a common motif in Cham art intended to evoke fear and dispel evil.

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 soil encrustations.

Weight: 14.6 g
Dimensions: Height 5.1 cm, Width 3.1 cm
Metallurgic analysis: Fine gold content 670/1000

Published: Gold Treasures of the Cham Kingdoms from the Collection of Dr. Zelnik Volume 1, no. 80 (page 113), 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.