The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of December 19, 2025

Female torso

1000s

Northeastern India, Pala dynasty

(730-1197)
black chlorite
Overall: 89 x 44 x 19 cm (35 1/16 x 17 5/16 x 7 1/2 in.)
Gift of Maxeen and John Flower in honor of Dr. Stanislaw Czuma 2011.146
Location: Not on view

Description

This life-size sculpture of a female figure was likely installed by a doorway or in an exterior niche of a Buddhist temple. Throughout the history of Indian art, voluptuous female figures have adorned Buddhist sanctuaries. Embodying the Indian ideal of female beauty, the form of the young mother with full breasts of milk personifies abundance, nourishment, and productivity—ideas that were considered auspicious and life affirming. Her copious jewels and valuable textiles also visually relate that the good karmic actions of venerating the Buddha and following his teachings will result in abundant good fortune.
  • ?-–2011
    Dr. John A. [1921–2011] and Maxeen Stone Flower [1928–2010], Shaker Heights, OH, bequest to the Cleveland Museum of Art
    2011–
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • Franklin, David. The Cleveland Museum of Art - Director's choice. London: Scala Arts & Heritage Publishers Ltd, 2012. Mentioned and Reproduced: pp. 24–25
    “Art of Asia Acquired by North American Museums, 2010-2011.” Archives of Asian Art 62 (2012): 105–153. Mentioned and Reproduced: p. 120, fig. 17 www.jstor.org
  • Soplo de luz. Diálogos de Octavio Paz con el arte. Museo del Palacio de Bellas Artes (September 1-November 17, 2014).
  • {{cite web|title=Female torso|url=false|author=|year=1000s|access-date=19 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2011.146