**First Time At Auction**

Central Asia, Pakistan / Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca, 200 BCE to 100 CE. An intriguing schist palette relief carved with a mythical scene of a woman and child with a serpentine monster in the shallow basin - likley representing a Nereid (Sea Nymph), seamonster, and a cherub. Although traditionally identified as a "cosmetic tray," the intricate carving leaves little room for mixing make up; recently, scholars have suggested these trays instead served a ceremonial purpose, such as a libation tray. During 2nd century B.C and 1st Century AD carved stone dishes luxury carved dish-like objects were produced, the iconography a reinterpretation of classic Indo-Greek culture after Alexander the Great's conquest of India. Size: 4.125" Diameter x 1" H (10.5 cm x 2.5 cm)

For a smiliar example at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's website, "Winged Eros Riding a Lion-Headed Sea Monster" accession number: 1987.142.42.

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Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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#177290

Old loss and chips to rim. Abrasions and chips to verso / base. Some softening to details, but overall excellent. Light mineral and earthen encrustations in recessed areas.