A LARGE 'BIRD SHAPE' BRONZE KHMER CONCH SHELL Khmer, Angkor period, late 12th - early 13th century. Large and well-cast conch shell with an impressive flaring tip in a form of a bird head, bordered by flaming leafy scrolls. Spiral base molded with lotus leaf borders. An interesting relief depiction of Hevajra flanked by dancing attendants and placed above the head of Kala (kirtimukha), the demon of passing time, is decorating the central panel, neatly bordered with flaming mandorla. The inside of the shell filled with the original casting core. Condition: Overall still fine condition with expected wear and an old, green patina. Some cracks to the back side. Provenance: The collection of The Zelnik Istvan Southeast Asian Gold Museum. Institutional art collection in Belgium, acquired from the above. Dr. Istvan Zelnik, President of the Hungarian South and Southeast Asian Research Institute, is a former high-ranking Hungarian diplomat who spent several decades in Southeast Asia, building the largest known private collection of Asian art in Europe. Weight: 2370 g Dimensions: 30 x 12 x 12.5 cm