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Ring stone with goddesses and aquatic plants

India, probably Bihar

3rd–late 2nd century BCE

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 234

Ring stones, richly decorated with raised reliefs of female figures typically alternating with plant forms and other auspicious motifs, represent an enigmatic category of early Indian sculpture. Both the women and the flowering and fruit-bearing trees are presumably associated with fecundity. Such ring stones may have functioned as jewelers’ molds, with malleable gold sheet being hammered into the form. Here, the miniature carving shows affinities with Near Eastern seals and early Greek mold-made ceramics, supporting this theory. The ear ornaments worn by the figures are well known in this period, especially in ivory.

Ring stone with goddesses and aquatic plants, Steatite (?), India, probably Bihar — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Ring stone with goddesses and aquatic plants, Steatite (?), India, probably Bihar

Ring stone with goddesses and aquatic plants, Steatite (?), India, probably Bihar

Ring stone with goddesses and aquatic plants, Steatite (?), India, probably Bihar

Ring stone with goddesses and aquatic plants, Steatite (?), India, probably Bihar

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Title: Ring stone with goddesses and aquatic plants

Period: Mauryan

Date: 3rd–late 2nd century BCE

Culture: India, probably Bihar

Medium: Steatite (?)

Dimensions: Diam. 2 5/16 in. (5.9 cm)
Weight: Under 40 lbs. (estimate)

Classification: Stone

Credit Line: Samuel Eilenberg Collection, Bequest of Samuel Eilenberg, 1998

Accession Number: 2000.284.10

Chronology

South Asia, 1000 B.C.-1 A.D.

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