2nd C. Indian Limestone Relief Panel - Lotus Mandala

Central Asia, India, Sattavahana Dynasty, ca. 2nd century CE. A fabulous and finely-preserved relief panel, meticulously carved and incised from chalky-white limestone, depicting a mandala-form lotus flower. The floral motif is comprised of a central disc decorated with 17 stamped circles on a central boss surrounded with a recessed groove boasting dozens of miniscule flutes, with three encircling rings of incised petals on the interior, and a pair of broad rings with additional petals and short serpentine scales around the exterior. The intricate stylization of this panel suggests that the relief was part of a Buddhist stupa of the Sattavahana Dynasty, similar to the monuments from Amaravati and Nagarjunakonda. Size: 17.25" W x 15.75" H (43.8 cm x 40 cm); 17.1" H (43.4 cm) on included custom stand.

The symbolism of the lotus was very important in Indian art, and is summarized beautifully by author Vidya Dehejia: "The lotus flower, which grew so abundantly in the Indian landscape and emerged fresh and pure from the hidden depths of muddy waters, was a pan-Indian symbol of purity. Buddhists adopted the symbolism of the lotus and equated its emergence from the murky depths to the manner in which the Buddha, born in this corrupt world, rose above it in his crystalline purity" ("Indian Art." 1997, p. 70).

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Dr. Gary Karch collection, Aventura, Florida, USA, acquired in the 1990s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#146234
Condition Report: This is a fragment of a larger relief panel. Small chips and abrasions to obverse, peripheries, and verso commensurate with age, with light softening to some finer details, and minor encrustations. Nice earthen deposits throughout. Old inventory label beneath bottom of stone.