Untitled

Unknown

ca. 1st–2nd century · Copper-nickel alloy · Asian Art

This elegant pair (with 2003.16.2) 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.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1st–2nd century

Medium

Copper-nickel alloy

Culture

Pakistan (ancient region of Gandhara)

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, The Chinese Porcelain Company Gift, 2003