Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Eastern Java, Majapahit Empire, ca. 15th to 16th century CE. This is a rare brass depiction of the Hindu goddess Saraswati, the goddess of music. Saraswati is portrayed with four arms, two playing the veena, and the dynamic motion of her playing is captured in the flowing hems of her robes that flows to her sides as if she is dancing. Her upper left hand holds a beaded garland, known as a mala, and in her upper right is an elongated manuscript. She is adorned in jewelry and upon her head is an ornate headdress surrounded by a divine halo. Saraswati is the goddess of wisdom, music, and art who manifests herself as a beautiful young woman. This religious piece honors this lovely goddess and may have resided in a temple shrine. Size: 3" L x 1.5" W x 7" H (7.6 cm x 3.8 cm x 17.8 cm)
Provenance: Whisnant Gallery, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA acquired prior to 2000
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#169683
Condition
Loss and missing one foot. Surface abrasions, pitting, and chips to high pointed areas. Softening to finer details. Green patina and mineral deposits throughout.