Important Notice

Shunga Dynasty
Chandraketugarh, Bengal, Circa 1st Century BCE - early 1st Century CE
Terracotta
Height: 10.5 in (26.5 cm)
Width: 4.25 in (11 cm)
Depth: 1.75 in (4.5 cm)

This sculpture is mounted on a detachable wooden base measuring 10 x 2.5 x 4.75 in (25.5 x 6.5 x 12 cm)

NON-EXPORTABLE REGISTERED ANTIQUITY

PROVENANCE
Formerly in an English Collection
Private Collection, India


Chandraketugarh in Bengal was among the most sophisticated centres of terracotta production in ancient India. This impressive and complete plaque portrays a richly adorned female divinity, commonly identified as a Mother Goddess figure. She stands assertively within an aureole bordered with delicate floral motifs characteristic of the region. With her widely set arms resting on her hips, feet placed apart, and an arresting gaze, the figure projects power and self-assurance. Her wide hips signify fertility, while her elaborate crown is embellished on either side with weapon-shaped hairpins, and large cylindrical ear ornaments decorate her ear lobes.

Plaques such as these are especially compelling as they attest to the veneration of a supreme feminine force prior to the emergence of formalised religious cults. Terracotta figures from this early period are most often found in fragmentary or reduced form, and even museum collections preserve only a limited number of complete examples. This plaque is therefore particularly significant for its date, scale, fine detailing, and remarkable state of preservation, as well as for the clarity and strength of its facial modelling.

Shunga Dynasty
Chandraketugarh, Bengal, Circa 1st Century BCE - early 1st Century CE
Terracotta
Height: 10.5 in (26.5 cm)
Width: 4.25 in (11 cm)
Depth: 1.75 in (4.5 cm)

This sculpture is mounted on a detachable wooden base measuring 10 x 2.5 x 4.75 in (25.5 x 6.5 x 12 cm)

NON-EXPORTABLE REGISTERED ANTIQUITY

PROVENANCE
Formerly in an English Collection
Private Collection, India


Chandraketugarh in Bengal was among the most sophisticated centres of terracotta production in ancient India. This impressive and complete plaque portrays a richly adorned female divinity, commonly identified as a Mother Goddess figure. She stands assertively within an aureole bordered with delicate floral motifs characteristic of the region. With her widely set arms resting on her hips, feet placed apart, and an arresting gaze, the figure projects power and self-assurance. Her wide hips signify fertility, while her elaborate crown is embellished on either side with weapon-shaped hairpins, and large cylindrical ear ornaments decorate her ear lobes.

Plaques such as these are especially compelling as they attest to the veneration of a supreme feminine force prior to the emergence of formalised religious cults. Terracotta figures from this early period are most often found in fragmentary or reduced form, and even museum collections preserve only a limited number of complete examples. This plaque is therefore particularly significant for its date, scale, fine detailing, and remarkable state of preservation, as well as for the clarity and strength of its facial modelling.