A monumental carved sandstone torso of a Devi, North India, Madhya Pradesh or Rajasthan, 11th-12th century , adorned in lavishly ornate jewellery and necklaces flowing under and around her globular breasts, twisting in a graceful and fluid movement, with her right shoulder lifted lightly as if in dance, 41.5cm overall height inclusive of stand, 32cm high without the stand. A very refined example of the temple sculpture of medieval Hindu North India, this piece would have originally adorned the external relief decoration of a North Indian Hindu, Jain or possibly Buddhist temple, either in Madhya Pradesh or neighbouring Rajasthan. In sculptural style, the torso enables close comparisons with the famous temple relief carvings found at Khajuraho. PROVENANCE:Previously acquired from an auction in the United Kingdom