RARE SCULPTURE OF GAJA LAKSHMI Bronze India 16th century Dimensions: Height 14, 5 cm Wide 15 cm Depth 8 cm Weight: 1720 grams Gaja Lakshmi "Elephant Lakshmi" is one of the eight manifestations of the deity Lakshmi, Vishnu's wife. The four-armed goddess is seated in padmasana pose, two hands stretched out in front of her chest forming varada and abhaya mudra. Two other hands are holding a lotus flower stalk behind her back. On top of the lotus buds are small platforms with two kneeling elephants, their trunks pouring water over the goddess, symbolising prosperity and abundance. Lakshmi is wearing a dhoti and many armlets and bracelets. Her eyes are wide open and she has a fleshy face with a bright smile. On her head she is wearing a multi-tiered tiara in various designs, large pendants are clipped on to her hears. Two stalks are growing out of the sides of the lotus base, forming the other platforms for two standing elephants with opened mouths, their trunks raised and holding lotus buds. Provenance: Collection Sharpes, Strasbourg , acquired 8th February 2002 in New York USA