THE ADORATION OF GANESHA

Estimate

4,000 - 6,000 USD

bidding is closed

Description

THE ADORATION OF GANESHA
Opaque watercolor heightened with gold on paper
image: 8 7/8 by 5 1/4 in. (22.5 by 13.3 cm)
folio: 9 3/4 by 6 1/8 in. (24.8 by 15.5 cm)

Provenance

Manso Collection prior to 1979
A Private New York Collection since 1979

Catalogue Note

A gold-haloed Lord Ganesha seated regally on a lavish gold bejeweled cushioned throne. His four arms hold his attributes - a golden bowl filled with sweets - signifying good fortune - a lotus blossom and an ax draped over his shoulder - prepared to remove every obstacle. His large orange elephant head wears a jeweled crown capped by an aigrette. On his forehead the crescent symbol of Shiva his father. Above him a gold parasol and beneath him his vehicle an obedient rat awaits patiently. A snake entwines his round belly.

He is worshipped by crowned devas or kings, who approach respectfully with clasped hands imploring his wisdom and good fortune. His wives Riddhi and Siddhi attend him, with one holding a chowrie (flywhisk) on a flower-patterned orange terrace.

For an unfinished, Mid-Nineteenth Century painting from Jaipur of an enthroned Ganesha seated between two female attendants, see the Victoria and Albert Museum London (accession no. IS.189-1952).