A CHAM GOLD PENDANT WITH HEAD OF KALA
Central or southern Cham kingdom, Tra Kieu Style, 11th – 12th century. The widening end of this pendulum-like stem features an expressive head of Kala (kirthimukha), the demon of passing time, 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. Kala’s expressive head is surrounded with fine floral motifs, the tapering stem decorated with two lines of three oval gemstones (amethyst and zircon) each.

Provenance: From an important European private collection. Acquired in Asia between 1960 and 1970. A private owner, acquired from the above.
Condition: Good condition with traces of wear and age as well as slight soil encrustation and fine patina.

Weight: Total 24.9 g
Dimensions: Height 10.4 cm
Metallurgic analysis: Fine gold content 670/1000

Published: Gold Treasures of the Cham Kingdoms from the Collection of Dr. Zelnik Volume 2, no. 78 (page 80-81), Budapest 2008.

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.