Ancient India – Western Bengal

Very fine molded terracotta plaque depicting a richly adorned female figure, probably of the Yakṣī type or a deity, surrounded by several attendants. The composition belongs to the remarkable figurative repertoire of ancient India and shows strong affinities with Chandraketugarh productions in western Bengal during the post-Maurya / Śuṅga period. The main figure, portrayed frontally, is adorned with numerous jewellery pieces, large ear ornaments and an imposing chest ornament. Around her sit several secondary figures arranged at different levels, some of whom appear to bear or present ceremonial attributes or offerings. This hierarchical and particularly dense organization gives the scene a distinctly narrative and cultic character. The relief retains remarkable legibility despite the fragmentary nature of the plaque: faces, jewelry, garments, the different figures, as well as the upper and lower decorative bands remain clearly perceivable. The richness of the composition and the multiplication of small figures give this piece a strong presence despite its small format. The plaque was made by uniface molding. The reverse side is left undecorated and shows an irregular manual smoothing characteristic of this type of manufacture. The very small thickness of only 0.6 cm is particularly interesting and testifies to a technically skilled production. The work is attributed to East Indian, Western Bengal, Chandraketugarh tradition, stylistically dated to the post-Maurya / Śuṅga period, probably 2nd–1st century BCE, with possible continuity into the early 1st century CE. Condition: relatively good for an archaeological terracotta of this age. Old lateral losses and natural surface wear. The central scene remains exceptionally legible. No major restorations visible. Modern metal plinth included. Provenance: former Belgian private collection, then family transmission. Important — scientific analyses: no thermoluminescence (TL) analysis nor PN analysis has been conducted. Given the nature and reasonable value of the object, this choice adheres to a principle of proportionality and avoids invasive sampling. The attribution, dating and favorable opinion on antiquity rest on physical and macroscopic examination, study of fabrication technique and surfaces, and comparison with available archaeological, museum, and scientific corpora. Dimensions without plinth: 8.5 × 6 × 0.6 cm. Height with plinth: 12.5 cm. Plinth dimensions: 7 × 4.5 cm. Weight without plinth: 100 g. video link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/5ksec6d96ab2f6ao8amwp/AN6rvQV7HTvbmbRUPZaR0YY?rlkey=dun91rx9ok3hyiob9fkjhm407&dl=0

Estimate:$672.26

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