A ROCK CRYSTAL ‘ELEPHANT’ TALISMAN

A ROCK CRYSTAL ‘ELEPHANT’ TALISMAN Burma/ Myanmar, 19th century or earlier. Well-polished and translucent talisman carved in the shape of an elephant with a short and lowered trunk. Central drilling showing ancient toolmarks and allowing for suspension as a pendant. The holes are handmade, irregular, funnel shaped. Simple, geometric carvings indicate the animal’s collar, legs and tusks. Stone with natural inclusions. Condition: Good condition with some minor flaws and usual traces of age and wear. Provenance: The collection of The Zelnik István Southeast Asian Gold Museum. Institutional art collection in Belgium, acquired from the above. Dr. István Zelnik, President of the Hungarian South and Southeast Asian Research Institute, is a former high-ranking Hungarian diplomat who spent several decades in Southeast Asia, building the largest known private collection of Asian art in Europe. Weight: 42.6 g Dimensions: Height 2.6 cm, Length 3.8 cm