A GOLD RITUAL OBJECT WITH KAMA SUTRA POSITIONS AND HINDU DEITIES
Gandhara / Kushan, c. 4th century. The gold ritual object crafted in the form of a round golden plate, executed in repoussé, with a stylized lotus blossom surrounded by eight medallion-like segments, four of them showing male and female figures performing sexual positions from the Kama Sutra, the other four medallions each showing a female Hindu deity, each medallion showing two archer’s bows as well.
Provenance: From an important European private collection. Acquired in Asia between 1960 and 1970. A private owner, acquired from the above.
Condition: Overall good condition, but visible traces of wear, the outer rim of the plate is bent in some areas with small breakages. Minor material losses.
Weight: 107.2 g
Dimensions: Diameter 22.5 cm
Metallurgic analysis: Fine gold content 502/1000
Literature Comparison: Another Gandharan gold plate with Hariti is published in The Zelnik Istvan Southeast Asian Gold Museum, pages 230-231, Budapest 2013.
Metallurgic Analysis
The data from the metallurgic analysis posted in the catalogue entry for each lot in this auction relates to the proportion of fine gold contained in the gold alloy only. It does
not relate to the gross weight of the lot, as the gross weight typically consists of the weight of the gold alloy and the weight of other materials added to the lot such as gemstones, soil encrustations, casting cores or other metals processed within the lot.