5422

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    Indian Bronze Gajalakshmi

    Western India
    15th-16th century

    height: 6.5cm, width: 3.9cm

    Sold

    Provenance

    Acquired by the previous owner in London in March, 1969.

    – scroll down to see further images –

    This fine, small, well-cast image is of Lakshmi being lustrated by a pair of elephants (they can be seen making up the top part of the aureole behind the goddess). In this form, the goddess is known as Gajalakshmi.

    The figure sits cross-legged on a rectangular platform which is pierced to the sides and which is etched at the front with lotus petal motifs. She has four arms. Her lower hands are in the varada and abhaya mudra positions. The upper arms each hold an opened lotus bloom. She has multiple strands of beads around her neck, and wears an unusual, spiky headdress,

    This small bronze is a delight. The elephants are marvellously rendered. Its contours have been softened by ritual puja wear and handling. The bronze has a pleasing deep chocolate hue.

    References

    Pal, P., Art from the Indian Subcontinent: Asian Art at the Norton Simon Museum, Yale University Press, 2003.

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