Painted Apsaras (Pair)

Pair of painted hand-carved wooden apsaras from Karnataka. Apsaras are celestial nymphs in Hindu and Buddhist culture. They are described as beautiful, youthful and elegant, and are said to be able to change their shape at will. They are masters in the art of dancing, and often wives of the Gandharvas, the court musicians of the king of the gods, Indra. Apsaras figure prominently in the sculpture, dance, literature and painting of many Indian and South-East Asian cultures.
The two pieces measure 19.5 (H) x 20 (W) x 10 (D) inches and 19.5 (H) x 21.5 (W) x 9 (D) inches.