Yogini with a jar c. early 10th century

This sculpture of a Yogini with a Jar, of unknown date and authorship, is carved from stone. Its monochromatic palette accentuates the form and texture of the stone. The figure's smooth skin contrasts with the rougher, unfinished background, drawing our attention to her presence. The Yogini sits in a relaxed pose, holding a jar, her expression calm and serene. Her body is idealized yet grounded, a paradox that challenges our conventional notions of beauty and spirituality. The linear details of her jewelry and the contours of her body are executed with precision, yet the form is simplified. The composition, with its combination of smooth surfaces and rough textures, invites a sensory experience. This work is not merely a representation but an invitation to engage with the material reality of the sculpture, to understand how the artist manipulates form and texture to evoke meaning. It reminds us that art is always in dialogue with its materials and the cultural contexts in which it exists.