Untitled

Unknown

8th century · Stone · Asian Art

Gaja Lakshmi, crowned with tripartite diadem and enthroned on a lion seat, is venerated as a bringer of good fortune and well-being to the earth, of which she was an early personification. The two elephants that lustrate her with water from pots held in their trunks can be equated with the rainclouds of the monsoon and successful crops. This aspect is further emphasized by her cornucopia in the form of a flowering lotus, symbolizing abundance.

Artist

Unknown

Date

8th century

Medium

Stone

Culture

India (Kashmir)

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Bette-Ann and William Spielman, 1991