Gandhara, c. 2nd century. The diadem of triangular form, with fine repoussé depicting Buddha in the center, wearing a long-flowing robe with accentuated folds, the face with a calm yet strong expression, the hair surmounted by an ushnisha, a halo behind him, seated in dhyanasana on a rectangular throne with demons falling to hell below and showing the bhumisparsa mudra, flanked by the Hindu gods Brahma and Indra, surrounded by followers and soldiers, all witnessing his enlightenment and subsequent victory over the demonic celestial king Mara. 20 small separately crafted gold repoussé representations of Buddha meditating, seated in dhyanasana and showing the dhyana mudra, hang from the diadem, attached with gold wire. Likely this diadem was gifted to a Cham king by an Indian trader, Brahmin scholar, or possibly even a king, as part of the Indianization of Southeast Asia. Provenance: Ex-Collection of The Zelnik István Southeast Asian Gold Museum. Institutional art collection in Belgium, acquired from the above. Condition: Good condition with expected traces of age and wear, bending, and soil encrustations. Weight: 57.5 g Dimensions: Size 12.6 x 30 cm Published: The Zelnik Istvan Southeast Asian Gold Museum, pages 84 and 86/87, Budapest 2013. Gold Treasures of the Cham Kingdoms from the Collection of Dr. Zelnik Volume 2, no. 94 (page 130), Budapest 2008. Art of Champa, Arts of Southeast Asia, page 72, Issue 4, 2020.