BronzeIndia , 18th centuryDimensions: Height 8,5 cm by 5 cmWeight: 284 gramsThe Vedic word for an enlightened person is Rishi and combines function of priest, seer, saint, ascetic, prophet and hermit into one person. They are said to compose their knowledge into hymns to invoke the deities by their poetry. The Rishi here is seated on the back of a tortoise on a square plinth with beaded rims and incised lotus-petals. He is seated in lotus pose with both his hands raised in abhaya mudra, one is holding a rosary. He is wearing a striped dhoti and necklaces. His face is tilted upwards with opened eyes and a pointy beard. The hair is done up in high, curled up bun.