A COPPER ALLOY SHRINE TO GANESHA


KARNATAKA, WESTERN CHALUKYA PERIOD, 10TH CENTURY5 3/8 in. (13.7 cm) high
|Of the bronze, Dr. Pratapaditya Pal elegantly writes: "Althoug diminutive, this is a complete and rare example of a Western Chalukya period metal image of Ganesha. The figure of the deity, with his elephant head and rotund belly due to excessive consumption of sweetmeats, is well modelled. The frisky character of the unnaturally large rodent is expressed with lively whimsy. Characterize of Western Chalukyan period bronzes, the throneback is delineated exuberantly with rich vegetation, a pair of geese, and festive garlands of pearls flanking Ganesha." Published Pal, The Elegant Image: Bronzes from the Indian Subcontinent in the Siddharth K. Bhansali Collection, New Orleans, 2011, p.133, no.66. Exhibited Hindu, Buddhist and Jain Bronzes from the Indian Subcontinent in the Siddharth K. Bhansali Collection, New Orleans Museum of Art, 5 August - 23 October 2011. Provenance Collection of Siddharth K. Bhansali, New Orleans Acquired in London between 1978-83