Description:

Central Asia, eastern India, Bengal, Chandraketugarh, ca. 2nd century BCE to 1st century CE. A remarkable mold-made pottery jar presenting a bulbous body, slender neck, and an annular flared rim, all sitting upon a round yet stable base. Boasting an elaborate decorative program, the exterior of the ancient vessel is adorned with an intricate relief of three main registers: two larger figural designs around the body and a phytomorphic motif encompassing the neck. The lower register exhibits a procession or celebration of many bare-breasted men and women, all wearing extravagant coiffures, massive, beaded hip belts, thick collar necklaces, and translucent lungis revealing their genitalia. Size: 6.5" W x 9.25" H (16.5 cm x 23.5 cm)

The intriguing figures are positioned in a series of diverse poses, giving the impression that they may be dancing, as a few of them hold instruments, such as drums and horns, and others hold long staffs or poles. The central element of this band is a liter man and woman (possibly a wedding party) held by two men front two men at the rear. The upper register consists of bare-breasted females all in dancing poses.

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Ibrahimi collection, California, USA, 2002

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

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#163476

  • Condition: Features a bit worn, two TL holes - rim and base - repairs at rim, midbody and base.

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June 10, 2021 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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