Pyu city-states, 2nd-10th century. The semi-translucent stone of a black color with white bands and natural dark-brown inclusions, skillfully carved and incised as a dog with a bushy bifurcated tail obscuring its hind legs. Pierced through the dog’s neck and tail to allow for 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 a very rare, beautiful, and natural banded black agate with natural white stripes and the talisman is original, ancient, cut by hand with carving, boring and grinding. The color is original and natural, with no trace of dying in the material and microcracks. The stone has been cleaned by hand using organic oil and its surface is smooth and polished, while the fine ancient patina has been preserved. The marks of primitive tools are clearly visible on the surface. The holes are ancient, handmade, irregular, funnel-shaped, executed from both sides using iron needles. 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, one tiny natural fissure to the tail. Weight: 15.4 g Dimensions: Length 4.3 cm Literature comparison: A very similar dog talisman is published in Burmese Gemstone Amulets and Talismans Volume 1 (part of the series From the Collection of Dr. Zelnik), page 168, Budapest 2016.