Indian Pilgrimage Figural Altar Group Depicting Shiva and Ganesh

Beneath an arch ringed with petal-like flames, two seated figures share a throne.

This pilgrimage figural altar group depicting Shiva and Ganesh is from India, and dates to the early 20th century. It is brass. Shiva is a principal Hindu deity, and his elephant-headed son Ganesh is widely invoked as the remover of obstacles at the start of undertakings. Four stubby feet carry a small platform with two figures flanking a central post, all framed by a scalloped arch with a crest at the top. The metal is bright yellow, darker in the recesses. It is 2 inches wide, 1.5 deep and 2.5 high.

Tiny, crowded, and perfectly composed for a shelf.