Indian Pilgrimage Figure of Lakshmi

A goddess no taller than a thumb, seated on a pedestal several times her own importance.

This pilgrimage figure of Lakshmi comes from Maharashtra, India, and dates to the 16th to 17th century or earlier. It is cast brass. Small portable images like this were generally made for pilgrims and household shrines, and Lakshmi is widely worshipped as the goddess of wealth and good fortune. She sits cross-legged on a cushioned seat, one raised hand holding a bud and the other a ring. A tall knobbed crown rises above round eyes and a broad smile. The worn golden surface has softened every edge. It is 1.25 inches wide, 1.25 deep and 2.75 high.

Good fortune, apparently, travels light.