Ringstone

Description

Ringstones are among the earliest works of art to be created in stone during India's historical period. This example is finely carved with detailed images of affectionate couples and palm trees, running animals, and geometric motifs in concentric circles. The function of ringstones remains uncertain, since none of the surviving examples is inscribed or explained in a text.

Provenance

(Julian Sherrier, London, UK, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art) (?–1977); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (1977–)

Ringstone

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200s BCE

Accession Number

1977.36

Medium

steatite

Dimensions

Diameter: 10.2 cm (4 in.)

Classification

Sculpture

Museum

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland, United States

Credit Line

Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund