A RARE AND REMARKABLY FINE CHANDRAKETUGARH POTTERY VASE, SHUNGA PERIOD, 2ND-1ST CENTURY BC

Scientific Analysis Report: A thermoluminescence analysis report issued by Oxford Authentication on 18 December 2006, based on sample number N206e15, sets the firing date of the samples taken between 1600 and 2500 years ago, consistent with the dating above. A copy of the report accompanies this lot.

India, West Bengal. The compressed globular body supported on a slightly convex foot and surmounted by a broad waisted neck with a wide flaring rim, decorated in relief to the body with three bands, the lowest depicting a finely carved, festive procession of people, some on horse, some riding an elephant, others playing music and preparing food, arriving at a gate that is guarded by two soldiers carrying spears.

Provenance: John Eskenazi, London, 2007. An important private collection, acquired from the above. A copy of the purchase invoice, dated 14 March 2007, confirming the dating above, and stating a purchase price for the present lot of USD 65,000 or approx. EUR 87,500 (converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing), accompanies this lot. John Eskenazi is one of the most internationally respected dealers in Indian, Gandharan, Himalayan and Southeast Asian works of art. He is also a specialist in collectors' carpets and textiles. The Eskenazi name has been associated with Oriental art since 1925. John Eskenazi joined his father's business in Milan in 1977 after studying History of Art, and stage design. In the mid-1990s he further developed the company, opening a gallery in Old Bond Street, London where his reputation as a leading expert in Asian Art was consolidated. In 1997 he was instrumental in co-founding Asian Art in London and in 2004, London Sculpture Week. He has also been a prominent exhibitor at The International Asian Art Fair in New York and at TEFAF Maastricht. He is also a founder partner of The Art Newspaper. John Eskenazi continues to expand his internationally recognized expertise and scholarship in Asian art and culture, through extensive travel, study and research.
Condition: Good condition with minor wear, the mouth with a repair, few shallow chips below the rim, encrustations, few nicks, and a thin crack.

Weight: 1 kg (excl. stand), 2.1 kg (incl. stand)
Dimensions: Height 23 cm (excl. stand), 27.5 cm (incl. stand)

Mounted to a modern stand. (2)

The central section depicting hunting scenes and ladies worshiping a tree, and the uppermost register featuring a band of lotus sprigs issuing blossoms, pods, and leaves. The sections divided by geometrical bands and the mouth lined by a border of lotus petals.

Chandraketugarh is an archaeological site located beside the Bidyadhari river, about 35 kilometers northeast of Kolkata. Excavation between 1957 and 1968 (conducted by the Asutosh Museum of Indian Art) revealed relics of several historical periods, although the chronological classification of the relics remains incomplete. According to some historians, the Chandraketugarh site and surrounding area could be the place known to ancient Greek and Roman writers as having the same name as the river Ganges, sometimes referred to as Gangaridai.

This ancient capital and important urban center has yielded a wealth of artistically accomplished pottery of diverse object types and ceramic wares. Buff-colored low-fired earthenware was prevalent. Numerous sculptures, relief plaques, and ornate vases were produced. They are decorated primarily with images of sophisticated women and fertility goddesses richly adorned with elaborate hairstyles, intricately patterned textiles, and an abundance of jewelry.

Literature comparison:
Compare a closely related vessel with similar flowers, dated circa 1^st century BC, Shunga period, 18.4 cm high, formerly in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and deaccessioned for return to India in March 2023. Compare a closely related pottery vase, dated 2^nd century BC, 15.5 cm high, illustrated by A & J Speelman Oriental Art on their website.