340 - PROBABLY A YAKSHI (NATURE SPIRIT) IN RELIEF EASTERN INDIA, 11TH–12TH CENTURY

PROBABLY A YAKSHI (NATURE SPIRIT) IN RELIEF EASTERN INDIA, 11TH–12TH CENTURY Dimensions: Height 36 cm Wide 28 cm Depth 14 cm Weight: 10.977 grams A substantial stone relief carved with a female figure in a graceful, curving pose, one arm raised above the head and the other drawn across the body. Her full face, softly smiling expression and sensuous modelling create an image of abundance and physical vitality, while the high relief preserves a strong sense of depth despite the fragmentary architectural format. The figure may represent a yakshi or related female nature spirit, imagery deeply rooted in Indian religious art and associated with fertility, prosperity and the generative force of nature. Such figures were frequently incorporated into temple sculpture, where their auspicious presence complemented the principal sacred imagery and animated architectural surfaces.