Central Asia, Afghanistan / Pakistan to Northern India, Gandharan Empire / Kushan Period, ca. 100 BCE to 300 CE. A fragment from half of a schist palette relief carved with a winged serpentine creature, perhaps a sea monster. The missing lower half may have been the shallow dish portion of the tray. Although traditionally identified as a "cosmetic tray," the intricate carving leaves little room for mixing make up; recently, scholars have suggested these trays instead served a ceremonial purpose, such as a libation tray. During 2nd century B.C and 1st Century AD carved stone dishes luxury carved dish-like objects were produced, the iconography was often a reinterpretation of classic Indo-Greek culture after Alexander the Great's conquest of India. Size: 5" L x 3.25" W (12.7 cm x 8.3 cm); 5.5" H (14 cm) on included custom stand.

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

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#179482

Fragment from half a circular tray as shown. Chips and old losses to the rim and peripheries. Good preservation to motif.