Western India
Wood
This extensively carved door panel depicts Ganesha. The seated four-armed deity, holds a pair of stylised swords in his upper hands and a characteristic sweet modaka (a rice or wheat cake), which he is depicted eating with his trunk. Ganesha’s fondness for modaka traces back to his childhood. He sits within a pillared archway that forms a ritual throne around him. On either side of the arch, a pair of parrots sit within the dense foiliage.
Ganesha, the Lord of the Ganas, is one of the most popular Indian deities. He is the god of wisdom, bestower of favours, giver of success in all undertakings and the one who overcomes obstacles. Said to be the son of Shiva and Parvati, his aspect, half human and half elephant betrays his animistic origins. His wives are Riddhi (abundance, prosperity) and Siddhi (success, good luck).
Size (cms): 22(H) x 52(W) x 10(D)
Size (inches): 8.5(H) x 20.5(W) x 4(D)
