Indian Pilgrimage Figure of Vishnu

A flat-topped crown, arms akimbo and a stance with no intention of moving.

This pilgrimage figure of Vishnu is from Maharashtra, India, and dates to the 12th to 16th century or earlier. It is brass. In Maharashtra, Vishnu is widely worshipped as Vithoba, usually shown standing with both hands on the hips, and small images were often taken home by pilgrims. Here the hands rest at the waist, framing two open loops. A tall cylindrical crown sits over a smooth, rounded face, and rounded ornaments flank the shoulders. The figure stands on a stepped base, its golden surface worn smooth with handling. It is 1.25 inches wide, 0.75 deep and 2.75 high.

Patience on a small and very solid scale.