North Indian Cast Bronze Ganesh

This detailed image of Ganesh, the elephant-headed deity, known as ‘the remover of obstacles’, is seated on a lotus petal dais, with a prominent pot belly and exaggerated navel, and four arms, variously holding attributes. The upper left, for example, holds a noose (pasha), and the lower left holds a mound of modaka sweets to the long, thin trunk, which curls to the Ganesh’s right.

The image has a tall, bud-like crown. The head of a rat protrudes from between Ganesh’s feet – the rat is Ganesh’s  vahana or celestial mode of transport.

The image has a wonderful patina and ample puja or prayer-related wear. It is an unusual and beautiful example.