Page 106 - South East Asian Art, December 4th 2020 Galerie Zacke Galerie Zacke

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A sAMON VAlley AVeNTuRINe ‘MONKey’ TAlIsMAN

Samon Valley Culture, 800 BC-200 AD. The mostly opaque stone of a mottled
spinach-green tone, carved and incised as a seated monkey with one hand in
front of its chest and the other on top of its head, showing a quizzical expression
with round bulging eyes. Pierced through the monkey’s neck to allow 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 an aventurine and the talisman is original, ancient, cut by hand with carving,
boring and grinding. The color is original and natural. There are no traces of dye
in the recesses of the stone. There are clearly visible traces of authentic ancient
craftsmanship on the surface. The stone has been cleaned by hand. There are
reddish sandy deposits in the recesses of the surface. The holes are ancient,
handmade, irregular, and funnel-shaped. 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 as well as soil
encrustations.
Weight: 84.5 g
Dimensions: Height 7.2 cm

estimate euR 3,000
Starting price EUr 1,500

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