Prajnaparamita late 12th-early 13th century

This sculpture of Prajnaparamita was carved by an anonymous artist out of sandstone. The sandstone’s inherent qualities of texture and density determined the artistic and production processes involved in the sculpture’s creation. To begin, blocks of sandstone were extracted, and then carved to produce the figure's basic shape, after which the sculptor used finer tools to detail the face and body. The facial features of the figure demonstrate the artist’s high level of craftsmanship. The sandstone is characterized by its layered composition and ability to be sculpted. The process of creating this sculpture involved the labor of quarry workers, transport workers, and the sculptor, all reflecting the division of labor typical of the period. The smooth surfaces and sharp details suggest the use of metal tools, which enabled a high level of refinement. It is important to look at not just the image being represented, but at the materials, production and cultural context in which an artwork is created.