73 - SMALL SEATED BRONZE GANESHA INDIA 18TH CENTURY

SMALL SEATED BRONZE GANESHA INDIA 18TH CENTURY Dimensions: Height 5,5 cm Wide 4 cm Depth 3,5 cm Weight: 207 grams A diminutive bronze figure of Ganesha seated in lalitasana on a lotus pedestal above a square base. The elephant-headed deity has four arms, a rounded belly and a trunk curving across the front of the body. A tiered crown rises above the head, while radiating lotus petals articulate the base and give structure to the compact composition. The simplified modelling is well suited to an image intended for close private worship. Ganesha's familiar iconography communicates immediately even at miniature scale, reflecting his widespread role as remover of obstacles and bestower of wisdom, prosperity and success. A warm brown surface is enlivened by areas of green oxidation and age-related wear. The opening to the underside is consistent with the casting of portable devotional bronzes and adds to the object's tactile, utilitarian character.