Artwork preview

Flying celestial (apsara) fragment

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Brown clay sculpture fragment depicting a flying celestial figure, likely an apsara, playing a musical instrument. The fragment shows the figure lying on their back, head on right, legs on left. The figure wears a headdress and has the right arm extended across the body, holding a long object, likely a flute or similar instrument, to their mouth. The left arm is partially broken off at the shoulder. The figure's facial features are visible, including eyes, nose, and mouth. The sculpture has rough edges and shows signs of wear. The background of the image is light gray.

Artwork Details

Date
early 6th century
Medium
Limestone
Culture
China
Dimensions
600 × 450 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette