Ancient Indian Chandraketugarh Molded Pottery Jar TLd

Central Asia, eastern India, Bengal, Chandraketugarh, ca. 2nd century BCE to 1st century CE. A remarkable mold-made pottery jar presenting a bulbous body, slender neck, and an annular flared rim, all sitting upon a round yet stable base. Boasting an elaborate decorative program, the exterior of the ancient vessel is adorned with an intricate relief of two main registers: a larger figural design around the body and a phytomorphic motif encompassing the neck. The figural register exhibits a procession or celebration of many bare-breasted men and women, all wearing extravagant coiffures, massive, beaded hip belts, thick collar necklaces, and translucent lungis revealing their genitalia. The intriguing figures are positioned in a series of diverse poses, giving the impression that they may be dancing, as a few of them hold instruments, such as drums and horns, and others hold long staffs or poles. Size: 5.5" in diameter x 6.5" H (14 cm x 16.5 cm)

Separated by a floral pattern and two dotted bands, the top phytomorphic register displays a repeated pattern of trefoil vegetal motifs below a lovely series of decorative fan-like designs. The top and bottom of the central registers features additional horizontal rings of flowers and a lattice motif adorns the base.

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Ibrahimi collection, California, USA, acquired in 2002

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#163475
Condition Report: TL holes on base and under top rim. Collection label and felt pad on base. Petite perforation to base. Expected surface wear with nicks, chips, and abrasions throughout, as well as some light softening of detail on relief, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with nice earthen deposits in recessed areas.