Ancestor figure - Stone - God - “Standing Kubera” - India - 10th century

“Standing Kubera”Standing Kubera with consorts. Kubera is most notably known as being the lord of riches and wealth, which includes the resources and elements that are contained within the earth. As the ruling god of wealth and riches, Kubera is responsible for possessing and distributing the wealth, as well as guarding the earth’s treasures. He is granted the power to move the earth’s riches from one place to another, and he often brought gems and precious metals near the surface during the rule of righteous kings and hid them during times of wickedness. Kubera exercises this power over the elements when he sides with Rama in the war between Rama and Ravana, Kubera’s half-brother. Kubera decides to align himself with Rama, rather than be loyal to his brother, because Ravana dethrones and exiles Kubera from his palace in Sri Lanka. Ravana does this in order to try and win himself a queen and kidnaps Rama’s wife, Sita, causing there to be a war between the two men. Rama wages war on Ravana for the actions taken against Sita, and by the end of the feud, Rama is victorious. Kubera, who remained loyal to Rama throughout the feud, is granted the responsibility of being the shepherd of all the precious stones in the world, as a reward for his assistance in the war against Ravana. Kubera was, therefore, allowed to dictate over these stones and control their movements, which meant he could determine who had access to them. Among other roles and responsibilities that Kubera was attributed to was being the leader of the yaksas, creatures who dwell in the woods and forests and promote the growth of plants. It is understandable that Kubera would be well acquainted with the yaksas as they both have roles associated with prosperity, with the yaksas encouraging the growth of plans and Kubera being a symbol of richness. The yaksas are depicted as being sharp and cunning, with a benevolent earthly temperament, which Kubera is depicted as embodying. Kubera exudes this temperament most notably through his physical appearance, which includes a potbelly, a common Asian motif for good luck and more importantly, abundance. Material: Blackstone Sizes: 75 cm x 45 cm. Condición: Good, see pictures. In private Collection since 1998. Spain. All documents will be add. El vendedor de este lote garantiza por la presente que este objeto fue obtenido legalmente. El vendedor garantiza que tiene derecho a enviar este/os objeto/s. El vendedor se hará cargo de que se arreglen todos los permisos necesarios. El vendedor informará al comprador acerca de esto si le toma más de unos pocos días".