Bidspirit auction | A SOUTH INDIAN CARVED HARDWOOD

A SOUTH INDIAN CARVED HARDWOOD RELIEF SCULPTURE OF GANESHA, 20TH CENTURY. - This carved hardwood relief sculpture depicts the Hindu deity Ganesha in a standing sthanaka posture. The figure is positioned upon a circular lotus pedestal mounted on a tiered rectangular architectural base. Ganesha is shown with four arms; the lower right hand is raised in abhaya mudra, signifying the gesture of fearlessness, and the lower left hand holds a modaka sweetmeat towards which the trunk is turned. The two upper hands carry traditional attributes, likely a pasha (noose) and an ankusha (elephant goad). The deity wears a tall karanda mukuta crown, various items of jewellery, and a yajnopavita sacred thread across the chest. The mouse vahana is positioned at the feet. The figure is framed by an integral arched prabhavali featuring carved foliate motifs along the border. The reverse of the carving is flat, displaying horizontal tool marks and several small circular indentations from construction or mounting.  H: Approximately 16cm