Northern India – ancient Bengal, Chandraketugarh type Terracotta Set of four votive medallions - 13.5 cm
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
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Estimate € 500 - € 650
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A set of four circular votive terracotta medallions from North Bengal (Chandraketugarh style, Shunga Early Historic, 2nd–1st century BCE), mounted on a modern four‑stem metal base, with Belgian private collection provenance and acquired in 2025; individual diameters range from 4.3 to 4.6 cm, thickness about 1.4–1.5 cm, overall height 13.5 cm and base 14 × 5 cm, total weight 345.6 g.
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Description from the seller
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
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 TranslateSet 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
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
Northern India – ancient Bengal, Chandraketugarh type
Century/timeframe
IIe–Ier siècle av. J.-C. – période Shunga
Name of object
Set of four votive medallions
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Belgium
Condition
Plaque formerly fragmented and restored; in good condition considering its age.
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Height
13.5 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1979
Width
14 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Belgium
Depth
5 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.
