Indian Bronze Buddha Statue
Ganesh
Dancing God of Wealth
India, circa: 20th century
H 29.5 in.(75cm.), W 15 in.(38cm.), D 11 in.(28cm.)
Condition: Excellent

A large and resplendent Ganesh, the most widely worshipped god in the Hindu pantheon, adored by Hindus, Buddhists and Jainists alike. The elephant headed god appears in India before even Shiva, and is a bringer of good fortune and wisdom, a remover of obstacles who is called upon at the beginning of a journey or a new venture. He is also the protector of knowledge, books and education.

This finely cast bronze has an overall dark patina with polished highlights on the details of ornamentation and is the traditional form of the god, with his enormous belly which symbolizes the expansive universe, around which he wears a snake as a girdle. He stands atop a double lotus throne; at the top of his trunk is a four petaled lotus symbolizing the heart chakra. He wears a headdress in the form of a stupa, jeweled necklaces, bracelets, and anklets The engraved palm of his front right hand in abhaya mudra is burnished by time; his rear right hand holds up an axe to conquer darkness and ignorance and in his left he holds a trident, a means of driving out demons as well as a reminder of the Tripitaka. A sparkling and impressive work, full of earthy power.