Ancient India – West Bengal

Rare molded terracotta plaque narrative depicting a richly adorned female figure, probably a Yakshi or a female deity associated with the forces of nature, seated laterally on a massive hybrid aquatic monster of the makara type. The composition is distinguished by its particularly seductive horizontal format, the richness of its decoration, and its molded frame punctuated by small circular motifs and large rosettes at the corners. The scene belongs to the vocabulary of ancient Indian terracotta and shows strong stylistic affinities with productions from **Chandraketugarh, in West Bengal**, an important artistic and commercial center of the lower Ganges valley. The piece is very likely attributed to the **Chandraketugarh tradition**, in the post-Maurya / Śuṅga – early Kushan horizon, and can be dated to the **2nd century BCE to 1st century CE**. The plaque was made by one-sided casting; the back, unadorned, preserves the irregularities and smoothing traces characteristic of this manufacturing method. **State:** an anciently fragmented and restored plaque, in relatively good condition given its antiquity. The fracture lines remain visible, with wear, abrasions and small superficial losses. The restoration is stable and allows an excellent overall reading of the composition. Modern metal base. **Dimensions without base:** 11.5 × 12.7 × 1.5 cm. **Total height with base:** 16.5 cm. **Weight:** 414 g, probably including the base. **Important – Thermoluminescence:** no thermoluminescence (TL) analysis has been carried out on this piece. Attributions, dating, and opinions of authenticity rely on physical and macroscopic examination of the piece, its manufacturing technique, study of its surfaces and its state of conservation, as well as its comparison with documented archaeological, museum, and scientific corpora. A particularly interesting piece due to the rarity of its narrative composition, its aquatic iconography, and its link to the important terracotta productions of ancient eastern India. d video link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/bx7b2esm7q7w15i1whgkn/AK0f5br57WPpkevrS8oPem0?rlkey=ms7lklcqr2x3g4w2yfuch48r4&dl=0

Estimation:€1,100

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