Indian Pilgrimage Figure of Lakshmi

A seated figure with one hand raised and the face worn down to a smooth, calm dome.

This pilgrimage figure of Lakshmi is from Maharashtra, India, dates to the 12th to 16th century or earlier, and is made of brass. Lakshmi is widely worshipped in Hindu tradition as the goddess of prosperity and good fortune, and small metal images like this are generally made for personal devotion and shrines. The figure sits cross-legged on a stepped, squared base, one hand lifted at shoulder height and the other resting on the knee. A tall crown rises above long ears with open loops. Traces of red pigment remain at the brow and in folds of the dress. It is 1 inch wide, 0.75 deep and 1.75 high.

Very small, and exceedingly composed.