One of a pair of medallions with portrait busts
This elegant pair (with 2003.16.1) of roundel medallions with male busts, probably worn as cloak clasps, display a naturalism rarely encountered in portrait imagery found on Satavahana or Kushana coins and medallions. This object type has a lineage reaching back to Hellenistic Alexandria and more immediate parallels in Parthian (Iranian) royal portraiture of the first century CE. They were likely inspired by West Asian examples that circulated in the Indian luxury market.
Artwork Details
- Title: One of a pair of medallions with portrait busts
- Period: Satavahana
- Date: ca. 1st century CE
- Culture: India, probably Maharashtra
- Medium: Copper-nickel alloy
- Dimensions: Diam. 2 5/8 in. (6.7 cm)
- Classification: Metalwork
- Credit Line: Purchase, Funds from various donors and Gifts of friends of Jim Thompson, in his memory, 2003
- Object Number: 2003.16.2
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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India, probably Maharashtra
ca. 1st century CE
India
1500–500 BCE
India, Ancient kingdom of Kashmir
9th century
Indian (Tamil Nadu)
ca. first quarter of the 10th century
India, Tamil Nadu
late 11th century
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