Erotic Ivory Plaque

Southern India, late 19th century

Height: 9.8 cm
Width: 5.7 cm
Depth: 0.9 cm

A carved and pierced erotic ivory plaque, finely carved in relief with a standing couple making passionate love in the intimacy of a bedchamber festooned with garlands that hang from an elaborate cusped arch that frames the scene. The lady leans against a bench while her lover approaches from behind. The multi-tiered arch is supported by balusters and ornamented by makara finials on each side. The bed stands on a gadrooned platform. The bedchamber sits on a row of small balusters forming an openwork grill or window.

The ivory plaque has a tang above and two tangs below by which the plaque would have been slotted into a framework of similar plaques to form an erotic ivory bed-head.