Nepalese Bronze Lotus Bud with Ganesh Figures

This beautiful, well-cast finial, perhaps from a lamp or a fountain, comprises a large, bulbous lotus bud, with four layers of closed petals, over four dancing Ganesh figures, all standing, equidistant, on an open lotus flower base.

Each of the Ganesh figures has four arms, the upper two of which hold attributes and the lower left feeds sweets to the long trunk. Each Ganesh wears a dhoti and a high Himalayan crown.

As in India, Ganesh is a popular deity in Nepal. Newar artists tend to represent Ganesh as a playful child, so often is shown dancing and more svelte than obese. Sometimes Ganesh is also known in Nepal as Binayak.

The finial is cast in bronze and is heavy. It is mounted on a high-quality black metal stand. It is unusual, decorative and with a lovely patina. The lower parts retain traces of offering powder.