Wood relief. India, Tamil Nadu, approx. 17th to 18th cent.
Elongated frieze with compact, figurative carving, partly open-worked. In the center, the four-armed goddess Lakshmi is holding lotus blossoms and being doused with holy water by two elephants - the scene is called Gaja Lakshmi. There is no honorary canopy over the goddess, as Mahalakshmi the highest goddess in the Shakta cult, but rather a Simhamukha mask. Joining the scene on the sides are feminine companion figures as well as mythical creatures with bird bodies. Floral spirals as corner ornament, the bordering with deep toothed or notched patterns in rows. With attachment for hanging.
SIZE 21,5 x 78,6 CM
From an old German private collection