2-734-029 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Libation Cup, c. 235-185 BC. The motifs on this cup and their style of execution are typical of art produced during the earliest historical period in India, the Maurya dynasty (3rd century bc), or possibly the early Sunga dynasty (2nd-1st century bc). At this time, scenes of daily life were commonplace. The lower part of this rare bronze vessel is decorated with a precisely rendered scroll-like design (see photograph), beginning with three women (one holding a musical instrument) joyfully celebrating a special occasion. Next (moving counter-clockwise) is a palm tree surrounded by a railing, which indicates a sacred object. The tree is followed by two chariots, each with a human driver and pulled by a pair of galloping animals. Between the chariots and the initial scene of the three women is a banyan tree with luxuriant foliage. Each scene is spaced by a representation of lotus flowers and birds. The quality of the casting of this cup, using bronze with a high content of tin, is superb; the decoration is sharp and extraordinarily well preserved.