CENTRAL INDIA, MADHYA PRADESH OR UTTAR PRADESH, 10TH CENTURY

The present sculpture, originally a pillar bracket, represents a celestial female of the salabhanjika type. Found in temple architecture across north India, salabhanjika are highly desirable women, symbols of fertility, depicted underneath a blossoming tree. They are believed to have descended from tree deities and hold the ability to bring fruit or flowers to trees with their touch. Much like apsara and yakshi, salabhanjika are represented with exaggerated feminine characteristics and idealized facial features. They represent both earthly and divine abundance.
The present example is depicted casually leaning against a tree trunk, with curving tendrils emerging from behind her head as she adjusts her hair ornament and likely gazes into a hand mirror. The effortless beauty of this semi-divine female is highlighted by her sinuous form and leisurely activity. Her facial features are precisely delineated, especially her almond-shaped eyes with pupils, well defined-lids, and arched brows. She is adorned with a beaded head ornament, large ear discs, a collar, and a multi-strand necklace that falls between her exaggerated breasts. Her waist belt is festooned with jeweled leg drops connected to rich openwork girdles. Vines from the tree intertwine her proper left leg.