Artwork Page for Ladies Entertained by Dancers

Details / Information for Ladies Entertained by Dancers

Ladies Entertained by Dancers

1–200 CE

Afghanistan, Begram, Kushan period

Medium
ivory
Measurements
Overall: 7.5 x 17 cm (2 15/16 x 6 11/16 in.)
Credit Line
Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund 1985.103
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Description

This ivory carving was made to sheath wooden furniture made in India for trade along the Silk Road, which stretched from Rome to China. Indian ivory-faced furnishings--along with lacquer boxes from China and painted glass from Rome--were found in an extraordinary deposit of luxury goods at a site called Begram. The wood on which the ivory and lacquer were affixed has long disintegrated, and only the small pieces remain.
A fragmented, horizontally oriented ivory carving depicts five figures above a decorative base. On the left, a figure reclines against a woven basket. A standing dancer follows, positioned beside two central figures. At the far right, a fifth figure sits on a low bench. Below, a floral band contains small red and green inlays. The ivory is heavily cracked and worn, with fine details visible in the figures' jewelry and clothing.

Ladies Entertained by Dancers

1–200 CE

Afghanistan, Begram, Kushan period

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