Southeast Asia, Indonesia, east Java, Majapahit Empire, ca. 1293 to 1527 CE. A stunning volcanic stone sculpture depicting the elephant-headed Hindu god Ganesh or Ganesha in the round. Reclining on a double lotus pedestal, the zoomorphic deity props up his head with his left arm while holding a spherical fruit to his trunk with his right. Both his legs are bent at the knees as his swollen belly rolls on to his plinth, with layers of necklaces, jewels, and bangles adorning his body in addition to an ornamented cloth that hangs from his waist. Known in Sanskrit as Vighneshvara or the Remover of Obstacles, Ganesh is invoked by Hindus when undertaking a new endeavor. His ample, rounded belly communicates a clear message of satisfaction and prosperity. This Ganesha assures his followers of fulfillment and the removal of obstacles on their life's journey! Size: 13.5" L x 22.5" W x 17" H (34.3 cm x 57.2 cm x 43.2 cm)

Esteemed as one of the principal 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.

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Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 2000 to 2010

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#185269

Areas of chipping and stable pressure fissures. Age-commensurate surface wear and weathering with nicks and abrasions as shown. Otherwise, intact and very nice with good remaining detail. Earthen deposits and encrustations throughout.