A RED SANDSTONE STELE DEPICTING A CELESTIAL NYMPH India, Madhya Pradesh, 8th/9th Century

the elegantly dancing figure wearing a pleated dhoti held by a heavy chain belt, her beaded necklace with large disc pendant handing over her belly, wearing large earrings and elaborate coiffure held by a headband, flanked by two diminutive musicians 

Nasli and Alice Heeramaneck Collection.
Pan-Asian Collection, acquired 1972.
Sotheby's New York, 5 October 1990, lot 15.
Sotheby's London, 25 April 1996, lot 238.

Formerly on loan to the Denver Art Museum, 1967—1977, and to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 1977—1982. 

The Sensuous Immortals, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 25 October 1977—15 January 1978.

P. Pal, The Sensuous Immortals, Los Angeles, 1977, p. 77, cat. no. 43.

Fragmentary, as viewed. Right forearm and left hand now missing. Losses to the tip of nose, sash at right and squatting musician's right shoulder. Further losses to some of central figure's toes and dhoti pleat as well as left foot of flute playing musician.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Compare stylistic elements including the placement of the diminutive figures at the lower quadrants to an eighth century sculpture of Lakulisha, also from Madhya Pradesh, see P. Pal, 1977, pp. 75—76, cat no. 42.