Northern India – ancient Bengal, Chandraketugarh type Terracotta Set of three votive medallions - 14 cm
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
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Estimate € 380 - € 450
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Ensemble of three votive terracotta medallions from North Bengal, Chandraketugarh type, dating to the Shunga Early Historic period (2nd–1st century BCE), each with a molded circular form and a central boss, mounted on a modern metal base with a certificate of authenticity from Mimosa SA signed by Olivier Maréchal.
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Description from the seller
Set of three circular votive tablets in molded terracotta, Northern India, ancient Bengal, Chandraketugarh-type, Shunga / Early Historic period, 2nd–1st century BCE.
A particularly coherent ensemble of three small circular terracotta tablets belonging to the vast corpus of molded terracotta from ancient Bengal. Each piece features a broad rounded rim surrounding a decorative field slightly set back, organized around a prominent central button. The decoration develops according to a clearly radial arrangement, creating a composition visually reminiscent of a wheel.
The reliefs combine several figurative motifs: animals in profile, botanical elements and shapes probably anthropomorphic. On the best-preserved specimens, a long-necked large bird, a palmiformly characterized upright plant motif, and various quadrupeds are notably perceptible. The three medallions clearly belong to the same iconographic tradition but are not exact duplicates; variations in composition and relief indicate the use of different molds.
This dense organization of the decoration, the small dimensions, the molding technique and the nature of the terracotta correspond to Early Historic Bengal productions, traditionally associated with the Chandraketugarh site and region. Their exact function is not archaeologically documented, but their format and iconography suggest a votive or devotional purpose.
The paste shows tones ranging from pink and light beige to brown-gray, with darker areas likely resulting from firing conditions and the material history of the pieces. The reliefs exhibit gentle, progressive wear of the protruding parts, consistent with repeated ancient handling.
The ensemble is in good conservation condition given its age. There are abrasions, small chips, micro-cracks and peripheral irregularities. One of the medallions shows several small radial cracks at the lower rim as well as a slight ancient loss; no major structural break is visible.
The three medallions are presented on a modern custom-made metal base, included in the sale.
Dimensions of the medallions excluding the base:
Ø 4.5 cm × thickness 1.5 cm – 25.0 g
Ø 4.4 cm × thickness 1.5 cm – 29.3 g
Ø 4.8 cm × thickness 1.6 cm – 31.3 g
Total weight of the three medallions: 85.6 g.
Dimensions of the piece with the base: H. 14 × L. 10.5 × D. 6 cm.
Total weight with base: 343.1 g.
Provenance: former Belgian private collection, formed between 1979 and 2009.
The set is accompanied by an authenticity certificate and Mimosa SA study signed by Olivier Maréchal.
video link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/gzh7vfbvivw6mb8bt3fyr/ADR_c6On4O0TgS7UnQ4HxXY?rlkey=7lzn9ej9pbujzhr62g8i47imq&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 three circular votive tablets in molded terracotta, Northern India, ancient Bengal, Chandraketugarh-type, Shunga / Early Historic period, 2nd–1st century BCE.
A particularly coherent ensemble of three small circular terracotta tablets belonging to the vast corpus of molded terracotta from ancient Bengal. Each piece features a broad rounded rim surrounding a decorative field slightly set back, organized around a prominent central button. The decoration develops according to a clearly radial arrangement, creating a composition visually reminiscent of a wheel.
The reliefs combine several figurative motifs: animals in profile, botanical elements and shapes probably anthropomorphic. On the best-preserved specimens, a long-necked large bird, a palmiformly characterized upright plant motif, and various quadrupeds are notably perceptible. The three medallions clearly belong to the same iconographic tradition but are not exact duplicates; variations in composition and relief indicate the use of different molds.
This dense organization of the decoration, the small dimensions, the molding technique and the nature of the terracotta correspond to Early Historic Bengal productions, traditionally associated with the Chandraketugarh site and region. Their exact function is not archaeologically documented, but their format and iconography suggest a votive or devotional purpose.
The paste shows tones ranging from pink and light beige to brown-gray, with darker areas likely resulting from firing conditions and the material history of the pieces. The reliefs exhibit gentle, progressive wear of the protruding parts, consistent with repeated ancient handling.
The ensemble is in good conservation condition given its age. There are abrasions, small chips, micro-cracks and peripheral irregularities. One of the medallions shows several small radial cracks at the lower rim as well as a slight ancient loss; no major structural break is visible.
The three medallions are presented on a modern custom-made metal base, included in the sale.
Dimensions of the medallions excluding the base:
Ø 4.5 cm × thickness 1.5 cm – 25.0 g
Ø 4.4 cm × thickness 1.5 cm – 29.3 g
Ø 4.8 cm × thickness 1.6 cm – 31.3 g
Total weight of the three medallions: 85.6 g.
Dimensions of the piece with the base: H. 14 × L. 10.5 × D. 6 cm.
Total weight with base: 343.1 g.
Provenance: former Belgian private collection, formed between 1979 and 2009.
The set is accompanied by an authenticity certificate and Mimosa SA study signed by Olivier Maréchal.
video link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/gzh7vfbvivw6mb8bt3fyr/ADR_c6On4O0TgS7UnQ4HxXY?rlkey=7lzn9ej9pbujzhr62g8i47imq&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 three 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
14 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1979
Width
10.5 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Belgium
Depth
6 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.
