Masterpieces of Oriental Art. 16: Late Mauryan or Early Śuṅga Ring-stones

Extract

A carved ring-stone and fragment of a second similar stone, both probably of the late Mauryan or early Śuṅga period, are among minor antiquities of exceptional interest recently acquired by the Indian Section, Victoria and Albert Museum, from the collection of Colonel D. H. Gordon, D.S.O., O.B.E. Both pieces were bought some years ago by Colonel Gordon from a local dealer in the Taxila area. Their special interest derives not only from fineness of craftsmanship but also from the fact that their use has remained an archæological problem for more than seventy years. A full description follows:—

A. Ring-stone: greyish-buff sandstone, highly polished. Carved in low relief, the upper surface having two concentric cableedged bands filled with cross-and-reel motives (slightly pyramidal); the sides of the hole with four standing female nudes alternating with four flowering trees. The base and outer sides are left plain.

Outer diameter, 3·37 inches. Inner diameter, 1·06 inches. Depth, 1 inch. Weight, 8¾ ounces.

B. Fragment of ring-stone: pinkish-buff sandstone, highly polished. Carved in slightly deeper relief, the upper surface decoration being identical with A. A similar standing female nude appears on the side of the hole, but beside her, instead of a flowering tree, there is an Indian “honeysuckle” motive, partly visible. The base and outer side are left plain.

The following measurements are based on a reconstruction of the complete ring. Outer diameter, 3·37 inches. Inner diameter, 0·84 inches. Depth, 0·75 inches.