19th C. Indian Copper Ganesh

**Originally Listed At $250**

South Asia, India, ca. 19th century CE. A cast copper statue of the elephant-headed deity Ganesha (also spelled Ganesh), the Lord of Good Fortune who provides riches, success, and general prosperity, sitting upon a lotus pedestal, with his endearing pot belly (a feature that is the result of his love for sweets and makes for an adorable silhouette) sampling a pile of delectable delights with his trunk. This pile of treats is held in one hand, while Ganesh holds his various attributes in the others. Size: 1.75" W x 2.875" H (4.4 cm x 7.3 cm)

Esteemed as one of the principle deities of the Hindu pantheon, the first son of Shiva and Parvati, Ganesha is known as the Lord of Plenty or the god of auspiciousness, highly revered as the regulator of all obstacles with the power to create and remove them. Followers traditionally ask for his blessings at the beginning of any new paths or serious endeavors. The origin of his unusual physiognomy, particularly how he came to possess such an unusual head is the source of many legends, the most popular is that one day when Shiva was away from home, Parvati created a human son from her own body. She asked her son to guard the door while she was bathing. Quite unexpectedly, Shiva returned home, and the boy would not allow Shiva to enter his own household. Enraged by this, Shiva cut off the boy's head. Parvati grew quite angry and ordered Shiva to replace his head. Shiva did so with the first living being he encountered, an elephant.

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection

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#156668
Condition Report: Softening to some finer details and light encrustations, otherwise intact and very good. Light earthen deposits and nice patina throughout.