Pala Blackstone Stele Fragment featuring Shiva and Parvati

Origin: IndiaCirca: 10th Century AD to 11th Century ADDimensions: 8.5" Height x 9" Width (21.6 cm x 22.9 cm)Medium: Stone This beautiful stele fragment depicts the divine couple of Shiva and Parvati together known as Uma-maheshvara. In this intimate composition we see Shiva’s primary right hand touching his consort’s chin affectionately, while his left hand holds the trishula (trident) and his secondary right hand holds a lotus. Uma is depicted with one arm draped around Shiva's shoulders, and her left hand holding a mirror. The finely-grained stone retains its rich color and beautiful surface, further highlighting the deep carving. The jewelry for both figures is rendered with great attention to detail.  So much so that the sculptor has even effectively conveyed the heaviness of the metal that comprised Shiva’s earrings, expressed by his extended and drooping earlobe.