Northern India – ancient Bengal, Chandraketugarh type Terracotta Set of four votive medallions - 13.2 cm
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
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An ensemble of four circular terracotta votive medallions from North Bengal, Chandraketugarh type, Early Historic Shunga period (2nd–1st century BCE), mounted on a modern metal base with varying diameters and reliefs.
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Description from the seller
Set of four circular votive medallions in molded Terracotta, Northern India, ancient Bengal, Chandraketugarh type, Shunga / Early Historic period, 2nd–1st century BCE.
A beautiful set of four small ancient terracottas gathered on a modern metal base made specifically for their presentation.
Each medallion adopts a characteristic construction: a wide rounded circular rim, a recessed central field and a protruding central boss, around which there develops a molded, radiantly organized decorative pattern. The compositions combine zoomorphic, vegetal and probably anthropomorphic motifs, distributed in sectors around the centre.
The four pieces evidently belong to the same production tradition but are not strict identical copies. Differences in diameter, thickness, quality of relief and drawing attest to several mold variations. This diversity makes the group particularly interesting, as it allows direct comparison of several interpretations of the same decorative formula.
The radial arrangement around a central hub gives the compositions the appearance of a small symbolic wheel. On the best-preserved reliefs, several animals in profile as well as vegetal elements remain clearly perceptible. The identification of each figure remains deliberately prudent, the value of the set residing more in its overall iconographic structure than in the certain attribution of each small motif.
The technique, morphology, small format and narrative richness of the decoration allow us to relate these pieces to the vast corpus of ancient Bengal terracottas and Chandraketugarh, generally placed in the Early Historic / Shunga period, around the 2nd–1st centuries BCE.
The four medallions show surfaces ranging from pink-beige to brown-gray, with natural coloration differences. One specimen stands out with a markedly darker patina on part of the face and the reverse. It also shows a small ancient loss at the lower edge and localized cracking of the upper edge. The other pieces show minor abrasions, peripheral irregularities and micro-surface cracks compatible with their antiquity. No major structural damage is observed.
The reverses are intentionally simple, slightly convex, and bear chromatic variations as well as some superficial traces related to their material history. The perforations visible on the reverse correspond to the modern base mounting.
Dimensions (excluding base):
Medallion 1: Ø 4.6 cm × thickness 1 cm
Medallion 2: Ø 4.6 cm × thickness 1.6 cm
Medallion 3: Ø 4.7 cm × thickness 1.4 cm
Medallion 4: Ø 5 cm × thickness 1.8 cm
Individual weights: 21.1 g; 31.1 g; 28.4 g; 36.8 g.
Total weight excluding base: 117.4 g.
Dimensions including base: H. 13.2 cm × L. 15 cm × P. 5.1 cm.
Total weight including base: 360 g.
Provenance: private Belgian collection, assembled between 1979 and 2009.
A coherent and very decorative set of four ancient Bengal terracottas, whose common mounting highlights the differences in patina, format and relief that are characteristic of each medallion.
video link : https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/980av8vwah6y87cimtqof/ALTBSCJ4BqvqgoWUpRDhg_s?rlkey=zushaennepj2g3pzrusfnwf20&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, Northern India, ancient Bengal, Chandraketugarh type, Shunga / Early Historic period, 2nd–1st century BCE.
A beautiful set of four small ancient terracottas gathered on a modern metal base made specifically for their presentation.
Each medallion adopts a characteristic construction: a wide rounded circular rim, a recessed central field and a protruding central boss, around which there develops a molded, radiantly organized decorative pattern. The compositions combine zoomorphic, vegetal and probably anthropomorphic motifs, distributed in sectors around the centre.
The four pieces evidently belong to the same production tradition but are not strict identical copies. Differences in diameter, thickness, quality of relief and drawing attest to several mold variations. This diversity makes the group particularly interesting, as it allows direct comparison of several interpretations of the same decorative formula.
The radial arrangement around a central hub gives the compositions the appearance of a small symbolic wheel. On the best-preserved reliefs, several animals in profile as well as vegetal elements remain clearly perceptible. The identification of each figure remains deliberately prudent, the value of the set residing more in its overall iconographic structure than in the certain attribution of each small motif.
The technique, morphology, small format and narrative richness of the decoration allow us to relate these pieces to the vast corpus of ancient Bengal terracottas and Chandraketugarh, generally placed in the Early Historic / Shunga period, around the 2nd–1st centuries BCE.
The four medallions show surfaces ranging from pink-beige to brown-gray, with natural coloration differences. One specimen stands out with a markedly darker patina on part of the face and the reverse. It also shows a small ancient loss at the lower edge and localized cracking of the upper edge. The other pieces show minor abrasions, peripheral irregularities and micro-surface cracks compatible with their antiquity. No major structural damage is observed.
The reverses are intentionally simple, slightly convex, and bear chromatic variations as well as some superficial traces related to their material history. The perforations visible on the reverse correspond to the modern base mounting.
Dimensions (excluding base):
Medallion 1: Ø 4.6 cm × thickness 1 cm
Medallion 2: Ø 4.6 cm × thickness 1.6 cm
Medallion 3: Ø 4.7 cm × thickness 1.4 cm
Medallion 4: Ø 5 cm × thickness 1.8 cm
Individual weights: 21.1 g; 31.1 g; 28.4 g; 36.8 g.
Total weight excluding base: 117.4 g.
Dimensions including base: H. 13.2 cm × L. 15 cm × P. 5.1 cm.
Total weight including base: 360 g.
Provenance: private Belgian collection, assembled between 1979 and 2009.
A coherent and very decorative set of four ancient Bengal terracottas, whose common mounting highlights the differences in patina, format and relief that are characteristic of each medallion.
video link : https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/980av8vwah6y87cimtqof/ALTBSCJ4BqvqgoWUpRDhg_s?rlkey=zushaennepj2g3pzrusfnwf20&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
13.2 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1979
Width
15 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Belgium
Depth
5.1 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
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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.
