Seated Ganesha

Historical period(s)
Hoysala dynasty, 12th-13th century
Medium
Chloritic schist
Dimensions
H x W x D: 88.6 x 53.7 x 33.7 cm (34 7/8 x 21 1/8 x 13 1/4 in)
Geography
India, Karnataka state, Halebid
Credit Line
Gift of Arthur M. Sackler
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Collection
Accession Number
S1987.960
On View Location
Sackler Gallery 22a: The Art of Knowing in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Himalayas
Classification(s)
Sculpture
Type

Hindu sculpture

Keywords
axe, conch shell, Ganesha, Hoysala dynasty (1110 - 1327), India
Provenance

?-?
William H. Wolff, Inc., New York, NY, method of acquisition unknown [1]

By 1982-1987
Arthur M. Sackler, purchased from William H. Wolff, Inc. [2]

From 1987
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, gift of Arthur M. Sackler [3]

Notes:
[1] See Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Gift Inventory, number S-3000, lists the Wolff stock number “WW 02/931F” as a dealer number, copy in object file.

[2] See note 1. Peter Marks evaluated the work in 1982.

[3] Pursuant to the agreement between Arthur M. Sackler and the Smithsonian Institution, dated July 28, 1982, legal title of the donated objects was transferred to the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery on September 11, 1987.

Research Completed October 20, 2022

Previous Owner(s) and Custodian(s)

William H. Wolff, Inc. 1906-1991
Dr. Arthur M. Sackler 1913-1987

Label

Elephant-headed Ganesha, the god of new beginnings and the remover of obstacles, is perhaps the most popular god in India. Hindus regard him with affection and invoke him at the start of every new project, whether it be cooking a feast or writing an exam paper; he is also placed at the entrance to temples so that worship may commence with him.

This sculpture displays the ornate carving and exuberant decoration characteristic of art created under the Hoysala dynasty (1042-1346). The decorated floral arch surrounding the sculpture suggests that it once occupied a cell or niche in a temple.

Collection Area(s)
South Asian and Himalayan Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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