**Originally Listed At $2000**

South Asia, India, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. Finely carved in relief from a single block of stone, this is a high relief hand-carved stone panel of the deity Ganesh, standing upon a shelf. Ganesh (also Ganesha or Ganapati), is the elephant-headed deity known as the "Remover of Obstacles." He leans to one side as if swaying to music. Although aged and faint, he appears to hold an attribute in both hands. He wears an elaborate headdress and bangles on his feet. The portly stomach is characteristic of this god's love of sweets. The surface retains much of the original red and orange pigments from when this piece was a vibrant architectural element. The panel verso is flat, likely resided in a temple or shrine. Size: 14.25" L x 6.5" W x 18.5" H (36.2 cm x 16.5 cm x 47 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.

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world's largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: private Los Angeles County, California, USA collection

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#160190

Softening of details. Surface weathering, chips, and small cavities as expected with age and exposure. Panel is sturdy and robust. Great traces of painted pigments and light mineral deposits!