19th C. Tibetan Wood Panel - Saraswati & Devotees

Central Asia, Tibet, ca. 19th to mid-20th century CE. A charming hand-carved wooden panel with a devotional Hindu scene featuring a deity and worshippers. The Hindu goddess, Saraswati, is the central and largest figure; she is quickly identifiable by her stringed instrument known as a veena. She is portrayed with four arms, two playing the veena, and her upper left hand holds a garland, known as a mala. Saraswati is voluptuous and adorned in draped garments and jewelry. She is flanked by two devotees who stand upon a shallow shelf adorned with lotus petals. Above their heads is a lion or tiger's face with feathers fanning out to the sides. Saraswati is the goddess of wisdom, music, and art who manifests herself as a beautiful young woman. This religious piece honors this joyful goddess and may have resided in a home shrine or temple. Size: 5.675" L x .75" W x 8.875" H (14.4 cm x 1.9 cm x 22.5 cm)

Provenance: private Chico, California, USA collection

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#137433
Condition Report: Nicks and chips to peripheries. Loss to right figure's hand and to tiger face at the top. Stable pressure fissures. Modern white paint flecks on front surfaces. Dark patina to wood.