Ancient India – Western Bengal, Chandraketugarh tradition Terracotta Beautiful terracotta plaque featuring a female figure and a large bird – Chandraketugarh tradition. - 10 cm
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Current bid
€ 390
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 600 - € 750
 | €390 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €370 | |
 | €150 | |
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Ancient Bengal Chandraketugarh tradition terracotta plaque depicting a richly adorned female figure with a large bird, stylistically dated to the post-Maurya/Śuṅga period (2nd–1st century BCE), uniface moulded, measuring 10 × 6.2 × 1.4 cm and in good condition, acquired in 2025 from a private collection.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Beautiful and very expressive molded terracotta plaque representing a richly adorned female figure accompanied by a large bird, attributable to the Chandraketugarh artistic tradition, in West Bengal.
The figure nearly occupies the full height of the plaque. It stands out for remarkable ornamental richness: large radiant coiffure, big ear ornaments, multiple necklaces, bust adornment and an elaborate belt. The lower garment is animated by a linear treatment characteristic of molded terracottas from ancient India.
To the right of the figure appears a large bird, a particularly interesting element of the composition. This type of association belongs to the iconographic group of the “Lady with Bird,” well documented in the repertoire of Chandraketugarh terracottas. The bird could be a peacock, but this zoological identification remains deliberately prudent.
The feminine figure can plausibly be linked to the world of Yakṣī or female deities of Early Historic India. However, its precise identity is not asserted, in order not to overinterpret an iconography of which several variants are known.
The plaque is made using the uniface casting technique. The reverse, left undecorated and showing traces of manual smoothing, as well as the structure, the edges, the differential wear of the reliefs and the overall appearance of the material are consistent with an ancient terracotta.
The work is attributed to Eastern India, West Bengal, Chandraketugarh tradition, and stylistically dated to the post-M Maurya / Śuṅga period, probably 2nd–1st century BCE.
The condition is particularly pleasing for a small archaeological plaque: despite some old losses and natural wear of the protruding parts, the face, the coiffure, the jewelry, the garment and especially the association of the figure with the bird remain remarkably readable. It is also a very aesthetically appealing piece, with a balanced composition and a strong presence despite its small size.
Provenance: former private collection of R. M., Belgium, then family transmission.
Important — scientific analyses: no thermoluminescence (TL) analysis or C-14 dating analysis has been conducted. Given the nature and reasonable value of the object, this choice reflects a principle of proportionality and avoids invasive sampling. Attribution, dating and a favorable opinion on antiquity rest on physical and macroscopic examination, study of the manufacturing technique, surfaces and iconography, as well as comparison with archaeological, museum and scientific corpora available.
dropline video link : https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/qo6w8yjm5xo91i5uv55zg/AOk3nnFmjvz8ASkAatX0kXM?rlkey=wbf60ys25jpqxnr0klzad80hc&dl=0
Seller's Story
MIMOSA SA — EXPERTISE, RESEARCH AND TRANSMISSION
For more than 26 years, I have been working as an art dealer specializing in ancient Asian arts. My work is not simply to offer objects: it is to observe them, to understand them, to study them and to document them before passing them to a new collector.
Each work presented by Mimosa SA undergoes thorough examination. Depending on its nature, this study may concern the iconography, the style, the proportions, the material, the execution techniques, surface traces, patina, the condition, restorations, provenance as well as relevant bibliographic, museum or archaeological comparisons. When justified, additional scientific analyses may also be undertaken.
Our approach rests on the experience of sight, gained from direct contact with the works for over two decades, but also on methodical and constantly renewed research. We always favor a cautious, coherent and argued attribution rather than a seductive but insufficiently substantiated assertion.
Transparency is at the heart of our approach. The wear, gaps, accidents, ancient restorations or more recent interventions are reported as precisely as possible. When an attribution carries uncertainty or remains a working hypothesis, it is clearly presented as such.
Present on Catawiki since 2016, we have chosen to maintain a regular selection of works there in order to meet international collectors who value authenticity, knowledge and quality of documentation.
Each acquisition is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued under our professional responsibility. For the most important works, this certificate takes the form of a genuine study dossier gathering the main technical, stylistic, iconographic, historical and bibliographic observations made during our research.
The same standard applies to shipping. Over the years, we have developed a packaging method adapted to old, fragile, heavy or complex-shaped objects. Each work is protected, immobilized and carefully packaged, according to its material and its particularities. The shipping costs correspond to the real needs for protection, handling, insurance and secure transport. Shipping is never regarded as a source of commercial profit.
Acquiring a work from Mimosa SA is to receive a selected, studied, described, documented and prepared object with the same care that we would wish for a work destined for our own collection.
Translated by Google TranslateBeautiful and very expressive molded terracotta plaque representing a richly adorned female figure accompanied by a large bird, attributable to the Chandraketugarh artistic tradition, in West Bengal.
The figure nearly occupies the full height of the plaque. It stands out for remarkable ornamental richness: large radiant coiffure, big ear ornaments, multiple necklaces, bust adornment and an elaborate belt. The lower garment is animated by a linear treatment characteristic of molded terracottas from ancient India.
To the right of the figure appears a large bird, a particularly interesting element of the composition. This type of association belongs to the iconographic group of the “Lady with Bird,” well documented in the repertoire of Chandraketugarh terracottas. The bird could be a peacock, but this zoological identification remains deliberately prudent.
The feminine figure can plausibly be linked to the world of Yakṣī or female deities of Early Historic India. However, its precise identity is not asserted, in order not to overinterpret an iconography of which several variants are known.
The plaque is made using the uniface casting technique. The reverse, left undecorated and showing traces of manual smoothing, as well as the structure, the edges, the differential wear of the reliefs and the overall appearance of the material are consistent with an ancient terracotta.
The work is attributed to Eastern India, West Bengal, Chandraketugarh tradition, and stylistically dated to the post-M Maurya / Śuṅga period, probably 2nd–1st century BCE.
The condition is particularly pleasing for a small archaeological plaque: despite some old losses and natural wear of the protruding parts, the face, the coiffure, the jewelry, the garment and especially the association of the figure with the bird remain remarkably readable. It is also a very aesthetically appealing piece, with a balanced composition and a strong presence despite its small size.
Provenance: former private collection of R. M., Belgium, then family transmission.
Important — scientific analyses: no thermoluminescence (TL) analysis or C-14 dating analysis has been conducted. Given the nature and reasonable value of the object, this choice reflects a principle of proportionality and avoids invasive sampling. Attribution, dating and a favorable opinion on antiquity rest on physical and macroscopic examination, study of the manufacturing technique, surfaces and iconography, as well as comparison with archaeological, museum and scientific corpora available.
dropline video link : https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/qo6w8yjm5xo91i5uv55zg/AOk3nnFmjvz8ASkAatX0kXM?rlkey=wbf60ys25jpqxnr0klzad80hc&dl=0
Seller's Story
MIMOSA SA — EXPERTISE, RESEARCH AND TRANSMISSION
For more than 26 years, I have been working as an art dealer specializing in ancient Asian arts. My work is not simply to offer objects: it is to observe them, to understand them, to study them and to document them before passing them to a new collector.
Each work presented by Mimosa SA undergoes thorough examination. Depending on its nature, this study may concern the iconography, the style, the proportions, the material, the execution techniques, surface traces, patina, the condition, restorations, provenance as well as relevant bibliographic, museum or archaeological comparisons. When justified, additional scientific analyses may also be undertaken.
Our approach rests on the experience of sight, gained from direct contact with the works for over two decades, but also on methodical and constantly renewed research. We always favor a cautious, coherent and argued attribution rather than a seductive but insufficiently substantiated assertion.
Transparency is at the heart of our approach. The wear, gaps, accidents, ancient restorations or more recent interventions are reported as precisely as possible. When an attribution carries uncertainty or remains a working hypothesis, it is clearly presented as such.
Present on Catawiki since 2016, we have chosen to maintain a regular selection of works there in order to meet international collectors who value authenticity, knowledge and quality of documentation.
Each acquisition is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued under our professional responsibility. For the most important works, this certificate takes the form of a genuine study dossier gathering the main technical, stylistic, iconographic, historical and bibliographic observations made during our research.
The same standard applies to shipping. Over the years, we have developed a packaging method adapted to old, fragile, heavy or complex-shaped objects. Each work is protected, immobilized and carefully packaged, according to its material and its particularities. The shipping costs correspond to the real needs for protection, handling, insurance and secure transport. Shipping is never regarded as a source of commercial profit.
Acquiring a work from Mimosa SA is to receive a selected, studied, described, documented and prepared object with the same care that we would wish for a work destined for our own collection.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Ancient India – Western Bengal, Chandraketugarh tradition
Century/timeframe
IIe–Ier siècle av. J.-C. | Période post-maurya / Śuṅga
Name of object
Beautiful terracotta plaque featuring a female figure and a large bird – Chandraketugarh tradition.
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Belgium
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Height
10 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1979
Width
6.2 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Belgium
Depth
1.4 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
