Ancient India – Western Bengal

Very beautiful 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 the productions of Chandraketugarh in western Bengal, during the post-Maurya / Śuṅga period. The main figure, shown facing the viewer, is adorned with numerous jewelry, large ear ornaments, and an important pectoral ornament. Around her are several secondary figures arranged at different levels, some of whom seem to wear or bear ceremonial attributes or offerings. This hierarchical and particularly dense arrangement gives the scene a true narrative and cultic character. The relief retains remarkable legibility despite the fragmentary nature of the plaque: the faces, the jewelry, the clothing, the various figures, as well as the upper and lower decorative bands, remain very clearly perceptible. The richness of the composition and the multiplication of the small figures give this piece a strong presence despite its small format. The plaque was produced by uniface molding. The reverse is left undecorated and shows irregular manual smoothing characteristic of this type of manufacture. The thin thickness of only 0.6 cm is particularly interesting and attests to a technically proficient production. The work is attributed to eastern India, western Bengal, Chandraketugarh tradition, and stylistically dated to the post-Maurya / Śuṅga period, probably 2nd–1st century BCE, with possible continuity into the early 1st century CE. Condition: good relative condition for an archaeological terracotta of this age. Old lateral losses and natural surface wear. The central scene remains exceptionally legible. No major restoration visible. Modern metal plinth included. Provenance: former Belgian private collection, then transmitted within the family. Important — scientific analyses: no thermoluminescence (TL) analysis nor PN analysis has been performed. Given the nature and reasonable value of the object, this choice follows a principle of proportionality and avoids invasive sampling. The attribution, dating and the favorable assessment of antiquity rest on physical and macroscopic examination, the study of the manufacturing technique and surfaces, and comparison with available archaeological, museum and scientific corpora. Dimensions excluding the plinth: 8.5 × 6 × 0.6 cm. Height with plinth: 12.5 cm. Plinth dimensions: 7 × 4.5 cm. Weight excluding the plinth: 100 g. video link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/5ksec6d96ab2f6ao8amwp/AN6rvQV7HTvbmbRUPZaR0YY?rlkey=dun91rx9ok3hyiob9fkjhm407&dl=0

Stima:€600

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