Sandstone relief of a female deity, late 10th century, Rajasthan, India

Sheltering beneath a large lotus stem and flower, this celestial woman is likely to have adorned the outside of a temple. The form is very close to that of the shalabhanjikas (tree deities) or river goddesses, from the Purana Mahadeva Temple at Harshagiri, Jaipur constructed in the second half of 10th century AD.

Her sensuous form is sensitively modelled - there is fluidity to her curves and fineness in her features; the eyebrows are moulded into arches framing almond-shaped eyes above a straight nose, slightly smiling mouth, and pointed chin. The breasts are well-rounded, slight folds of flesh are indicated on her left side, and her belly gently swells; the body undulates to the left accentuating her small waist and curvaceous hips - with shapely legs well-defined beneath the folds of her dhoti. Her hair is finely incised and adorned with jewellery, and she is further embellished with earrings and necklaces - whilst a long flowing scarf is draped behind her neck and to either side. On her left, a dwarf plays with her bejewelled garments - and on her right an attendant holds up a stringed musical instrument known as a vina. The whole group is carved in high relief and stands on an integral lotus pedestal - formed by an open bloom and budding flowers.

Height: 32"

Similar examples: ‘Sculptures indiennes du musee Guimet’, Amina Okada, Tresors du Musee Guimet, Reunion des Musees Nationaux - pages 110 & 111.

‘Gods, Guardians, and Lovers’ Temple Sculptures from North India A.D. 700-1200, The Asia Society Galleries, New York - in association with Mapin Publishing Pvt. Ltd., Ahmedabad - pages 158 & 159.