Page 116 - South East Asian Art, December 4th 2020 Galerie Zacke Galerie Zacke

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A Pyu AMeThysT ‘TIgeR’ TAlIsMAN
Pyu city-states, 2nd-10th century. The translucent stone of a pale to deep
lavender tone with natural white inclusions, finely carved as 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 amethyst and the talisman is original, ancient, cut by hand with carving,
chiseling, boring and grinding. The color is original and natural. The stone has
been cleaned by hand using organic oil. There are no traces of later dying in
the recesses or on the surface of the stone. The marks of primitive tools are
clearly visible on the surface. The holes are ancient, 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, few natural
fissures to the stone.

Weight: 36.3 g
Dimensions: Length 7.4 cm
Literature comparison: related tiger talismans are published throughout
Burmese Gemstone Amulets and Talismans Volume 1 (part of the series From
the Collection of Dr. Zelnik), Budapest 2016, with a particularly similar piece on
pages 140/141.
estimate euR 3,000
Starting price EUr 1,500

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