Page 114 - South East Asian Art, December 4th 2020 Galerie Zacke Galerie Zacke

113
A Pyu AVeNTuRINe ‘TIgeR’ TAlIsMAN
Pyu city-states, 2nd-10th century. The translucent stone of an iron red color
with natural yellow to orange inclusions, skillfully carved and neatly incised to
depict a tiger with the back arched and the front paws extended forwards as if
preparing to pounce at its prey. Pierced through the tiger’s neck and tail 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 with a rare iron-red color and the talisman is original, ancient, cut
by hand with carving, boring and grinding. The color is original and natural with
rare yellow inclusions. There are no traces of dye in the recesses of the stone.
There are clearly visible traces of primitive tool marks on the surface. The stone
has been cleaned by hand; the fine ancient patina has been preserved. The holes
are ancient, irregular, and funnel-shaped, with traces of wear. 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.

Weight: 32.0 g
Dimensions: Length 7.4 cm
Literature comparison: Similar tiger talismans are published throughout Burmese
Gemstone Amulets and Talismans Volume 1 (part of the series From the
Collection of Dr. Zelnik), Budapest 2016.

estimate euR 2,000
Starting price EUr 1,000

108