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
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#163476
Condition
Features a bit worn, two TL holes - rim and base - repairs at rim, midbody and base.