A rare blue turquoise intaglio chiseled with a tiger, from the Central Asian culture, early first millennium AD. In good condition. It has been cleaned, but the nice antique patina is preserved. Some sandy deposits can remain in the layers. If applicable, the holes are ancient, hand-made, irregular. Some items might bear the traces of several holes - or the holes being re-drilled in modern times to facilitate use. Purchased in the 1980s by Dr. Zelnik in Brussels on the art market. Important information : The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. Due to the complicated Cultural Laws we will not be able to ship this item outside of the EU nor to the United States. Provenance : This item comes from the collection of Dr. István Zelnik, resulting from more than 50 years of collecting. Former diplomat, Asian Arts collector, Researcher. Publications : More than 20 essays on Southeast-Asian politics and economy, presentations on international conferences. Co-author of 10 albums and books on Southeast Asian Art.