Fine Antique Bronze Statue of Ganesh from Sir Lanka

A finely cast statue of Ganesh from late 19th century collected in Kandy, Sri Lanka. The semi-elephant semi-human deity is also known as Ganesha, Ganapati and Vinayaka. In the Hinduism, Ganesh has the statues of the most popularly worshiped god in the pantheon. His iconography is widely found throughout South Asian countries from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka to Bali (Indonesia) and Bangladesh, across all different Hindu denominations. Devotion to Ganesha is widely diffused and extends to Jains and Buddhists as well. Ganesha is widely revered as the remover of obstacles, the patron of arts and sciences and the deva of intellect and wisdom. As the god of beginnings, he is honored at the start of rites and ceremonies. Ganesha is also invoked as patron of letters and learning during writing sessions.
This statue depicts Ganesh in his classical four-arm seated form on s double-lotus throne. He is characterized iconographically with one truncated tusk, oversized ears and protruding belly. His hands hold a conch, a roll of ropes in the form of cobra, sweets for reward and a blessing staff respectively. In addition of being bejeweled with garland necklace and a crown, a snake that is often associated with him is found wrapping his belly like a belt.
Small statue with very refined casted details. Quite heavy for its size.