White Marble Flying Celestial Figure, 11th Century Style
For higher-value objects, we encourage inquiries prior to purchase.
Additional photographs, close-up views, and condition details are available upon request, whenever possible.
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Collection
Sculpture & Religious Art
Period
11th Century Style
Overview
A large white marble figure of a flying celestial female, distinguished by its sensuous movement, elaborate jewelry and headdress, and powerful sculptural elegance.
Description
This impressive white marble figure represents a celestial female attendant in a dynamic, dance-like pose, her body turning in a graceful arc that gives the sculpture an exceptional sense of movement and rhythm. The torso leans forward with one knee raised, creating a vivid diagonal composition that suggests both flight and ritual performance. Even in fragmentary form, the figure retains remarkable energy and refinement.
Particularly striking is the treatment of adornment. The figure wears an elaborate crown with sharply rising points, large circular earrings, and layered necklaces, armlets, anklets, and an ornate girdle with pendant elements. These richly carved details contrast beautifully with the smooth modeling of the flesh, creating a sculptural balance between sensuous volume and ornamental precision. The face, with its lowered gaze, softly smiling mouth, and elongated eyes, conveys serenity rather than theatricality, giving the work both sensual grace and devotional calm.
The figure is best appreciated not only as a fragment of a larger religious or architectural program, but also as an independent work of sculpture. The pale marble surface, the elegance of the pose, and the refinement of the carved ornament together create an object of strong visual presence. This example is especially compelling for its combination of movement, femininity, and sacred decorative character, making it a powerful cabinet or gallery piece.
Details
Object Type: Sculptural Figure / Flying Celestial Female Figure
Material: White marble
Subject: Celestial female attendant (apsara / flying deity)
Height: 115 cm
Origin: China
Condition
Presented in fragmentary condition, with losses to the arms, lower limbs, and other extremities, together with surface wear and age-related characteristics consistent with carved stone sculpture of this type. These losses do not diminish the strong sculptural presence of the work and are in keeping with its historical character.
Authenticity & Attribution Note
This sculpture is offered as a work in 11th century style. The attribution is based on material, iconographic features, carved ornament, and comparative visual judgment, and should be understood as stylistic rather than as an absolute guarantee of precise date, origin, or original architectural context.
We are happy to provide additional photographs, closer views, and condition details whenever possible. Serious inquiries are always welcome.