Northern India – ancient Bengal

Set of three votive circular medallions in molded terracotta, Northern India, ancient Bengal, Chandraketugarh-type, Shunga / Early Historic period, 2nd–1st century BCE. A beautiful, particularly coherent ensemble of three small circular medallions belonging to the vast corpus of molded terracotta from ancient Bengal. Each piece features a broad rounded rim surrounding a decorative field slightly recessed, arranged around a protruding central knob. The decoration develops in a clearly radial organization, creating a composition visually reminiscent of a wheel. The reliefs combine several figurative motifs: profile animals, vegetal elements, and forms probably anthropomorphic. On the best-preserved specimens, a long-necked large bird, a palm-like upright vegetal motif, and various quadrupeds are notably discernible. The three medallions clearly belong to the same iconographic tradition but are not exact duplicates, the variations in composition and relief indicating the use of different molds. This dense organization of the ornament, the small dimensions, the casting technique, and the nature of the terracotta correspond to Early Historic Bengal productions, traditionally associated with the Chandraketugarh site and region. Their exact function is not archaeologically documented, but their format and iconography support a probable votive or devotional purpose. The paste shows tones ranging from pink and light beige to brown-gray, with darker zones presumably resulting from firing conditions and the material history of the pieces. The reliefs show gentle, progressive wear on the protruding parts, compatible with ancient repeated handling. The set is in good condition considering its age. Presence of abrasions, small chips, micro-cracks, and peripheral irregularities. One medallion has several small radial cracks at the lower rim and a slight old loss; no major structural break is visible. The three medallions are presented on a modern custom-made metal stand, included in the sale. Dimensions of the medallions excluding the stand: Diameter 4.5 cm × thickness 1.5 cm – 25.0 g Diameter 4.4 cm × thickness 1.5 cm – 29.3 g Diameter 4.8 cm × thickness 1.6 cm – 31.3 g Total weight of the three medallions: 85.6 g. Dimensions of the ensemble with stand: H. 14 × L. 10.5 × D. 6 cm. Total weight with stand: 343.1 g. Provenance: former private Belgian collection, formed between 1979 and 2009. The ensemble is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and Mimosa SA study signed by Olivier Maréchal. video link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/gzh7vfbvivw6mb8bt3fyr/ADR_c6On4O0TgS7UnQ4HxXY?rlkey=7lzn9ej9pbujzhr62g8i47imq&dl=0

Utropspris:SEK 4,251.55

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