Indian Sandstone Figure of a Female Deity

Origin: IndiaCirca: 13th century ADDimensions: 19.75" height, (50.2 cm)Medium: Sandstone This sublime and sensuous female deity figure was likely part of a divine couple composition.  The pairing of God and Goddess, often represented as Vishnu and Lakshmi, could be found carved into the exterior walls of temples throughout the region of Madya Pradesh during the medieval period.  Given the remnants of a hand below her left breast, the languid low slung position of her hips in contrapposto, and the raised position of the right shoulder we can be fairly confident in this attribution.  Although she may be missing her other half, what remains is still a striking and superb statue in its own right.  The youthful figure with a soft, adoring gaze is bedecked in lavish adornments as per the custom.  An elaborate conical headdress sits atop tightly coiffed hair, while large pendulous ear rings hang aside the face.  She wears a layered necklace and waist band with beaded festoons, while the sacre