South Asia, India, Sattavahana Dynasty, ca. 2nd century CE. A wonderful pair of hand-carved limestone relief roundels each featuring a mandala-form lotus flower; a Buddhist symbol of enlightenment. Both display 2 encircling rings of petals around a central boss with several stamped circles. 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 of largest (similar in size): 16" W x 16" H (40.6 cm x 40.6 cm)

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: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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#174723

Some minor losses to peripheries and excpected chips, nicks, and abrasions throughout, though design and form are still clear. Liberal remains of gray pigment in areas.