135 - INDIA SILVER BELL 19TH CENTURY

INDIA SILVER BELL 19TH CENTURY Dimensions: Height 9 cm Wide 4 cm Depth 4 cm Weight: 60 grams A small silver hand bell with a broad flaring body, slender turned handle and finely modelled figural finial. At the summit sits the elephant-headed Ganesha, recognisable by his curved trunk and compact seated posture. Narrow bands define the bell's profile, while darker tarnish settles into the crevices and emphasises the delicate modelling. The ringing of a bell accompanies many forms of Hindu puja, marking the moment of worship and drawing attention to the deity. Ganesha, widely revered as the remover of obstacles and patron of auspicious beginnings, is an especially fitting presence on an object intended for devotional use. This bell combines a clear ritual purpose with an engaging miniature image. The contrast between the simple, polished bell and the detailed Ganesha finial gives the small work an unexpectedly expressive character.