Sandstone
Jaipur
13th century
Width 12 1/2” (31.75 cm) Height 22 1/2” (57.15 cm)
Provenance: Jeremy Knowles , London 1996
As the lord of obstacles, Ganesha is worshiped at the beginning of every new undertaking, ritual, or journey. His elephant head attests to the absorption of an elephant cult into mainstream Hinduism and reflects his mythological origin. According to religious lore, his mother Parvati, without Shiva's knowledge, created Ganesha created him from the sweat of her brow to guard her while Shiva was away. When Shiva returned and demanded access to Parvati's chamber, Ganesha, not recognizing his father, blocked his path. Angry, and unaware that the boy was his son, Shiva shot flames from his third eye, cutting off Ganesha's head and sending it spinning into the heavens. Parvati was inconsolable. Shiva vowed to replace Ganesha's head, and he searched the entire universe to no avail. Out of desperation, he took the head of a baby elephant that had sinned by lying with its head pointed to the north (considered an inauspicious direction) and returned home with it to restore Ganesha to life.
This powerful sculpture most likely was displayed in wall niche of a prominent home or temple.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Sandstone
Jaipur
13th century
Width 12 1/2” (31.75 cm) Height 22 1/2” (57.15 cm)
Provenance: Jeremy Knowles , London 1996
As the lord of obstacles, Ganesha is worshiped at the beginning of every new undertaking, ritual, or journey. His elephant head attests to the absorption of an elephant cult into mainstream Hinduism and reflects his mythological origin. According to religious lore, his mother Parvati, without Shiva's knowledge, created Ganesha created him from the sweat of her brow to guard her while Shiva was away. When Shiva returned and demanded access to Parvati's chamber, Ganesha, not recognizing his father, blocked his path. Angry, and unaware that the boy was his son, Shiva shot flames from his third eye, cutting off Ganesha's head and sending it spinning into the heavens. Parvati was inconsolable. Shiva vowed to replace Ganesha's head, and he searched the entire universe to no avail. Out of desperation, he took the head of a baby elephant that had sinned by lying with its head pointed to the north (considered an inauspicious direction) and returned home with it to restore Ganesha to life.
This powerful sculpture most likely was displayed in wall niche of a prominent home or temple.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
