Antique Lakshmi Copper Statue. India. From 17.-19. Century. (Copy)

Antique Shri Lakshmi copper statue. India. From 17.-19. Century.

Shri Lakshmi is an important goddess in Hinduism, especially known as the goddess of wealth, luck, prosperity, and beauty. She is often associated with good fortune, abundance, and spiritual harmony. She is married to the god Vishnu.

The statue is standing in a tribhanga position (three-bending position) on a lotus base, with a conical head covering and detailed jewelry.

Provenance: This collection originated from a Danish nurse who from around 1947-60 was part of the UN's vaccination program in Asia and Africa. In this connection, she acquired this statue.

The damage to the face of this type of antique bronze figure usually comes from ritual rubbing. In Hindu tradition, this type of wear is called a 'pujapatina'. During the daily prayers and rituals (puja) the face, being the most prominent and sacred point, is gently rubbed and dried over the centuries, which wears away the sharp details, leaving the metal soft, smooth, and rounded, which is today considered an important sign of authenticity among collectors.

The material is a copper metal alloy.

Measurements: ca. 19x4,5x3 cm. Stand: see pictures.