Northern India – ancient Bengal

Pair of circular votive terracotta plaques, molded in clay, attributed to ancient Bengal, in the Chandraketugarh tradition, Shunga/Early Historic period, circa the 2nd–1st centuries BC. The two plaques feature a circular composition organized around a prominent central boss. The decoration, radially arranged, combines botanical motifs and animal representations in a formula characteristic of the small molded terracottas from ancient India. Although belonging to the same stylistic and technical tradition, the two pieces show slight differences in drawing and modeling, corresponding to mold variations or to different casts within the same production run. The reliefs remain clearly legible and show gentle, progressive wear of the protruding parts, compatible with ancient handling. In the context of a probable votive function, this abrasion can be interpreted as consistent with prolonged votive use or rubbing. The terracotta displays a pink-beige paste with some browning and surface irregularities consistent with traditional manufacture and the material history of the objects. The reverse sides retain various traces of shaping and manual finishing. Dimensions of each plaque: diameter approx. 4.7 cm; thickness approx. 1.4 cm. Individual weights: 25.8 g and 28.5 g. Total weight excluding base: 54.3 g. Total height with base: 12.7 cm. Base of the base: 5 × 4 cm. Total weight with base: 157.1 g. Provenance: former Belgian private collection, assembled between 1979 and 2009. The two pieces are mounted on a modern custom-made metal base, included in the sale. video link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/uvwzzje3g0fxujeg4f8q2/AC1QELcl_hL88GaeaN-4AbA?rlkey=ok0dik0dt70tveak86sx4k7ew&dl=0

Estimate:$254.85

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