Northern India – ancient Bengal

Set of four circular votive medallions in molded terracotta, North India, ancient Bengal, Chandraketugarh-type, Shunga / Early Historic period, 2nd–1st century BCE. A beautiful, coherent ensemble consisting of four small circular terracotta medallions, gathered on an elegant modern four-rod metal plinth. Each piece exhibits a very characteristic construction: a broad rounded peripheral rim, a slightly recessed central field, and a prominent central button around which a radially arranged molded decoration is organized. Although the four medallions clearly belong to the same stylistic family, they are not strictly identical. Differences in diameter, thickness, design, and relief quality indicate several mold variants within the same production tradition. This diversity is precisely one of the interests of the ensemble. The compositions combine zoomorphic, vegetal, and probably anthropomorphic motifs arranged around the center. On the best-preserved examples, several animal silhouettes in profile as well as vegetal elements remain clearly discernible. The radiating organization gives each piece the appearance of a small symbolic wheel, though it is not possible to identify with certainty each motif depicted. Due to their small size, molding technique, richness of decoration, and morphology, these objects belong to the broad corpus of ancient Bengal and Chandraketugarh terracottas, generally attributed to the Early Historic / Shunga period, around the 2nd–1st centuries BCE. The surfaces display a beautiful beige-rose to light brown tone, with variations in firing and age. The reliefs show a gentle, irregular wear, more marked on the protruding parts, compatible with a long material history and probably with repeated handling. The overall condition is good considering their age. Small peripheral abrasions, a few micro-cracks, and small ancient chips are visible. One exemplar shows a more noticeable rim crack, but it does not compromise the piece’s stability. The rear sides are plainer, with traces of manual finishing. The openings visible on the reverse correspond to the modern mounting on the plinth. The four medallions form today a particularly harmonious ensemble, the mounting well highlighting the variations in diameter, relief, and composition. Dimensions without the plinth: Medallion 1: Ø 4.3 cm × thickness 1.5 cm Medallion 2: Ø 4.6 cm × thickness 1.5 cm Medallion 3: Ø 4.3 cm × thickness 1.4 cm Medallion 4: Ø 4.5 cm × thickness 1.5 cm Individual weights: 26.4 g; 23.9 g; 26.9 g; 28.8 g. Total weight of the four medallions excluding the plinth: 106 g. Dimensions including the plinth: H. 13.5 cm × L. 14 cm × D. 5 cm. Total weight including the plinth: 345.6 g. Provenance: private Belgian collection, formed between 1979 and 2009. A rare and highly decorative set of four ancient Bengal terracottas, whose common presentation allows appreciating both stylistic unity and the variations inherent to each medallion. video link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/n2oqq3e1x2r3vbett05pl/AFnTDRNkaUzlgW9lei5ngTY?rlkey=rsmhaz0uslmj12uul73pyxpak&dl=0

Estimation:€500

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