A schist palette, of spatulate form, with a shallow, rectangular recess at the centre

Availability: In Stock

A schist palette, of spatulate form, with a shallow, rectangular recess at the centre; at either end are finely carved representations in low relief of the busts of two bearded males with highly individual features (possibly representing two Persian or Bactrian merchants), traces of incised inscriptions in Kharosthi script along the two upper edges; intact, with wear and accretions in the recessed sections.
Stock Number:
x9263
$ 2450.00

Description

A schist palette, of spatulate form, with a shallow, rectangular recess at the centre; at either end are finely carved representations in low relief of the busts of two bearded males with highly individual features (possibly representing two Persian or Bactrian merchants), traces of incised inscriptions in Kharosthi script along the two upper edges; intact, with wear and accretions in the recessed sections. Possibly a scribe's palette. Kharosthi was a script in use from Central Asia and the Silk Road to Gandhara and North India from around the 3rd century B.C. until the 3rd century A.D.; the earliest manuscripts written in ink from this region date from the 1st century B.C. and are in Kharosthi, written on birch bark.

 

Origin:

Circa 1st century B.C. to 1st century A.D. Bactria / Persian borderlands.

Dimensions:

Height: 14.8 / Width: 4.0 cm