Bronze. India, 17th century

This rare bronze altar is being offered complete with all 4 parts. The elongated base has several steps. Standing on it in the center is the god Vishnu with his usual attributes, the cakra wheel and conch (shankha), flanked by his large-breasted consorts Lakshmi and Bhumidevi. Both goddesses are holding a lotus in their hands. Vishnu, who is larger than the other two figures, is gesturing wish-fulfillment with one hand and standing beneath a five-headed naga arching over him. Above the naga is an expressive lion head with garlands streaming out of its mouth and morphing into two mythical beings on either end. The arched backing structure has a jagged upper edge. All three deities wear a karanda mukuta crown. Rounded, artistically expressive sculptures, good dark-brown patina due to age.
HEIGHT 25, 2 CM
From a Munich private collection, acquired approx. 20 – 25 years ago from a private collection, afterwards collection Sohel Ch., New Delhi – Vienna