Northern India – ancient Bengal

Pair of circular molded terracotta votive medallions, attributed to ancient Bengal, in the Chandraketugarh tradition, Shunga/Early Historic period, circa the 2nd–1st centuries BC. The two medallions display a remarkably cohesive composition organized around a prominent central button. The decoration, radially arranged, combines plant motifs and animal representations, forming a true miniature narrative characteristic of the ancient Bengal terracotta tradition. Although belonging to the same stylistic tradition, the two pieces show small differences in drawing and modeling, indicating distinct compositions or molds. The reliefs show gentle, progressive wear of the protruding parts, compatible with ancient manipulations. In the context of a probable votive function, this abrasion can be interpreted as consistent with long-term use or votive rubbing. The terracotta paste exhibits pinkish-beige tones with browned or darkened areas likely resulting from firing and the material history of the objects. Dimensions of each medallion: diameter 5 cm; thickness 1.5 cm. Weight: 29.6 g and 36.3 g. Total height with base: 13 cm. Base of the base: 5 × 4 cm. Total weight with base: 165.2 g. Provenance: former private Belgian collection, formed between 1979 and 2009. The medallions are presented on a modern bespoke metal base, included in the sale. The attribution rests on physical, stylistic, and comparative examination with published corpora of ancient Bengal terracotta and Chandraketugarh. No thermoluminescence analysis has been performed, as it was not deemed commensurate with the value of the lot. video link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/bgy65cdqbctg1tu2evq7w/AF_q_NCt2A0BJ1iah1Hzxek?rlkey=tdoharv0lnggqnjoafi7hbgrc&dl=0

Estimate:£192.14

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