Lot 3: A MUGHAL RED SANDSTONE CARVED PANEL, NORTH INDIA, 18TH CENTURY

A rectangular architectural relief panel carved from red sandstone, likely originating from Northern India. The central field features a symmetrical arrangement of dense foliate scrolls and floral motifs in high relief. This central composition is enclosed by a series of decorative borders: a simple linear inner frame, a horizontal band of overlapping stylised leaf decoration along the lower section, and a wide outer border characterised by a recessed checkerboard pattern. The reverse of the panel is primarily flat but features a large natural indentation or void. In the top right corner of the reverse, there are three vertical dark marks applied in what appears to be ink or paint; however, these marks do not form any legible characters, symbols, or names, and no other maker’s marks are present. A small semi-circular notch is cut into the centre of the lower edge, likely for architectural integration. The carving demonstrates the decorative style associated with Mughal architecture.

72.5 by 40cm