Untitled

The Hindu Art Studio

ca. 1880–85 · Lithograph, printed in black with hand-coloring in watercolor and selectively applied glaze · Asian Art

The beautiful and benign goddess Kamalamika, the “[red] lotus lady,” is a tantric form of Lakshmi, Hinduism’s embodiment of all that is auspicious and abundant. As the goddess of wealth and prosperity, Lakshmi is most often depicted being lustrated by heavenly elephants where she is known as Gaja-Lakshmi. In her esoteric aspect as Kamalamika, she is enthroned on a red-lotus pedestal that rises from the silvered waters of a mountain lake, evoking her divine nature. Another flower bud serves as her footrest. In her four arms she displays lotus buds and a bloom and extends auspicious gestures to her devotees. In the heavenly skies above four white elephants hold golden pitchers (lota) in their extended trunks, allowing the waters to cascade upon the head of the goddess, empowering her with the life affirming waters that ensure abundance in all things. Ice-grey mountains rise majestically behind her, framing her in the glowing white of the Himalayan peaks beyond.

Artist

The Hindu Art Studio

Date

ca. 1880–85

Medium

Lithograph, printed in black with hand-coloring in watercolor and selectively applied glaze

Culture

West Bengal, Calcutta

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Barbara and David Kipper Gift, 2021