Ancient India – Western Bengal

Beautiful and very expressive molded terracotta plaque representing a richly adorned female figure accompanied by a large bird, attributable to the Chandraketugarh artistic tradition, in West Bengal. The figure nearly occupies the full height of the plaque. It stands out for remarkable ornamental richness: large radiant coiffure, big ear ornaments, multiple necklaces, bust adornment and an elaborate belt. The lower garment is animated by a linear treatment characteristic of molded terracottas from ancient India. To the right of the figure appears a large bird, a particularly interesting element of the composition. This type of association belongs to the iconographic group of the “Lady with Bird,” well documented in the repertoire of Chandraketugarh terracottas. The bird could be a peacock, but this zoological identification remains deliberately prudent. The feminine figure can plausibly be linked to the world of Yakṣī or female deities of Early Historic India. However, its precise identity is not asserted, in order not to overinterpret an iconography of which several variants are known. The plaque is made using the uniface casting technique. The reverse, left undecorated and showing traces of manual smoothing, as well as the structure, the edges, the differential wear of the reliefs and the overall appearance of the material are consistent with an ancient terracotta. The work is attributed to Eastern India, West Bengal, Chandraketugarh tradition, and stylistically dated to the post-M Maurya / Śuṅga period, probably 2nd–1st century BCE. The condition is particularly pleasing for a small archaeological plaque: despite some old losses and natural wear of the protruding parts, the face, the coiffure, the jewelry, the garment and especially the association of the figure with the bird remain remarkably readable. It is also a very aesthetically appealing piece, with a balanced composition and a strong presence despite its small size. Provenance: former private collection of R. M., Belgium, then family transmission. Important — scientific analyses: no thermoluminescence (TL) analysis or C-14 dating analysis has been conducted. Given the nature and reasonable value of the object, this choice reflects a principle of proportionality and avoids invasive sampling. Attribution, dating and a favorable opinion on antiquity rest on physical and macroscopic examination, study of the manufacturing technique, surfaces and iconography, as well as comparison with archaeological, museum and scientific corpora available. dropline video link : https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/qo6w8yjm5xo91i5uv55zg/AOk3nnFmjvz8ASkAatX0kXM?rlkey=wbf60ys25jpqxnr0klzad80hc&dl=0

Estimate:$674.72

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