Indian Antique Carved Marble Ganesh Statue

A finely carved marble statue of Ganesh circa 19th century from India. The semi-elephant semi-human Hindu deity is also known as 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), 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 on offer depicts Ganesh in his classical four-arm seated form, with truncated tusks, oversized ears and protruding belly. The deity is seated on a lotus throne placed on a plinth with one leg crossing over the other leisurely. His individual hand holds a conch, a roll of ropes, sweets for reward and a staff. His body is bejeweled with garland necklaces, gold bracelets, a crown and a halo, An Indian Bandicoot rat which is interpreted as the obstacle desires is placed by his feet on the throne. The white marble surface is smooth and nearly pure white contrasting the residual pigment of gold leaf and red that was used to cover much of the statue. The carving was well done with refined details.