Antique Shri Lakshmi copper statue. India. From 17th-19th century.

Antique Shri Lakshmi copper statue. India. From 17th-19th 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 pose (three-bending pose) 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 scratches on the face of this type of ancient bronze figurine almost always come from ritual rubbing. In Hindu tradition, this type of wear is called a 'pujapatina'. During daily prayers and rituals (puja), as the face is the most prominent and sacred point, years of repeated touching and drying wear away the sharp details. This leaves the metal soft, smooth, and rounded, which is now considered an important sign of authenticity among collectors.

The material is a copper metal alloy.

Measurements: approx. 19x4,5x3 cm. Condition: see pictures.