Altar Piece, South India, 19th Century

Altar element showing, carved in the round, Ganesh in profile, seated in padmasana. He holds a shield in one hand and a goad in the other. His trunk is raised. He is richly dressed in a garment decorated with engraved flowers and a wide necklace covered with pendants arranged in a fan shape. Wood, old brown and honey patina, signs of use. South India, 19th century 10.3 × 6.7 cm (with base 11.5 cm) This figure of Ganesh, carved in wood to adorn a domestic altar, reflects the importance of this deity in the ritual practices of southern India. A symbol of wisdom and protection, Ganesh is invoked as part of daily offerings, propitiatory ceremonies and the beginning of cycles. Its posture, attributes and ornaments refer to traditional iconographic canons, while embodying the tangible presence of the divine in the sacred space of the home.Provenance: Former collection of Mr. Robert Boucher, cultural attaché in the years 1951 and 1952 in Ankara, Beirut and Pondicherry. Sold with base.* Shipping costs on estimate.