Celestial Woman Undressed by a Monkey, ca. 975-1000. Unknown maker (Indian). Buff sandstone. Bequest of Mrs. George H. Bunting Jr.
This beautiful woman belongs to a class of minor deities known as apsaras (celestial nymphs). Specifically, she is a surasundari or “beautiful celestial female,” and would have originally been located high upon the exterior wall of a temple, along with other heavenly figures. In this sensuous and humorous scene, the surasundari raises her right arm to bind her long hair while a monkey pulls the thin patterned garment from her hips. Richly ornamented, the surasundaris often display specific styles of jewelry, hair, dress, and facial features that characterize their amorous nature and enigmatic grace.
