Page 123 - South East Asian Art, December 4th 2020 Galerie Zacke Galerie Zacke

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A RARe Pyu AVeNTuRINe ‘MONKey’ TAlIsMAN
Pyu city-states, 2nd-10th century. The opaque stone of a mottled spinach-
green tone with natural white and dark inclusions, skillfully carved as a seated
monkey looking sideways with its hands clasped together behind its head, as if
trying to hide a piece of food or precious object it has found. Pierced through
the monkey’s hands and legs 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 a green aventurine and the talisman is original, ancient, cut by hand
with carving, boring and grinding. The color is original and natural. The stone
has been cleaned by hand while preserving the fine ancient patina. There are
no traces of dying in the recesses of the stone. The marks of authentic ancient
craftsmanship are clearly visible. The holes are ancient, handmade, irregular,
funnel-shaped, with no signs of modern intervention. 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: 24.1 g
Dimensions: Height 5.5 cm
estimate euR 2,000
Starting price EUr 1,000

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