Female Tree Deity with Attendant

Description

Memories of the nature divinities so important on the exterior of ancient Buddhist sites persist in female figures such as this on Hindu temples of the medieval period. Her form personifies fecundity, and the mango tree with which she is integrated bursts into the fruits that dangle down the side of the sculpture. Her attendant gazes into a mirror. This sculpture exemplifies the stylistic characteristics of the 900s, with the exaggerated thrust of her hip, and dense, crisply rendered areas of jewelry offset by smooth planes of flesh. Facial features are articulated with linear clarity and sharp outlines. These idealized female figures convey the notion of auspicious abundance and prosperity in the created world, which are benefits of worship and support of the temple.

Provenance

The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (1967–)

Female Tree Deity with Attendant

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c. 973

Accession Number

1967.202

Medium

sandstone

Dimensions

Overall: 54.6 cm (21 1/2 in.)

Classification

Sculpture

Museum

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland, United States

Credit Line

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Severance A. Millikin