Antique Shri Lakshmi copper statue. India. From 17.-18. Century.

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, happiness, prosperity, and beauty. She is often associated with luck, 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: originates from the collection of a Danish nurse who, from approximately 1947-60, was part of the UN's vaccination program in Asia and Africa. In connection with this, she acquired this statue.

The wear on the face of this type of antique bronze figurine always originates from ritual polishing. In Hindu tradition, this type of wear is called a 'pujapatina'. During daily prayers and rituals (puja) the face, being the most prominent and sacred point, is gently rubbed and dried, which over time wears away the sharp details, leaving the metal soft, smooth, and rounded. This is now considered an important sign of authenticity among collectors.

The material is a copper metal alloy.

Measurements: approx. 7,5x3x2,2 cm. Condition: see pictures.