Garuda Ritual Incense Base, Orissa

Large incense or perfume burner base representing Garuda, India, Orissa, late 19th century. Garuda is a Vedic deity and the king of birds in Hindu mythology. Mount of Vishnu, he is often depicted as a half-man, half-eagle being, symbolizing strength, speed and victory over the forces of evil. Enemy of serpents (Nāgas), he embodies divine protection and spiritual deliverance. His image is common in art and temples in India, where he is venerated as a guardian and a symbol of loyalty. Compare with a copy exhibited at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, inventory number EAX.281. Provenance: Estate of the Himalayan art collector and dealer Claude de Marteau Sold with certificate of provenance. H 25 cm x diameter 11.5 cm Weight: 1675 grams Opinions on this piece vary: It is possible that a tray fitted into the cylinder (which is hollow but saturated with wax), a fossil stone (Ammonite) was placed there which is a non-anthropomorphic representation of Vishnu: The Shaligram or Saligram. This concave circular piece could also receive oil and a wick. (Ritual oil lamp) See this ritual incense base Garuda, Orissa in full screen mode on Vintage Addict