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Ring-stone with goddesses and turtles

3rd–late 2nd century BCE
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
Recent finds of gold foil alongside finely carved discs suggest ring and disc stones were jewelers’ molds. Their designs incorporate honeysuckle and lotus, signs of auspiciousness and abundance. The Hellenized honeysuckle, introduced to India from Persia, had a popular local equivalent, the snake flower (nagapuspa).

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Ring-stone with goddesses and turtles
  • Period: Maurya
  • Date: 3rd–late 2nd century BCE
  • Culture: Northern India
  • Medium: Steatite
  • Dimensions: Diam. 3 9/16 in. (9.1 cm); Th. 1 3/16 in. (3 cm)
  • Classification: Stone
  • Credit Line: Lent by a private collection
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art