Indonesian Bust of Sri Devi

Eyes lowered, the faintest smile, and a crown stacked nearly to the ceiling.

This bust of Sri Devi is lava stone from Java, Indonesia, 20th century. Sri, or Dewi Sri, is widely revered in Java and Bali as a goddess of rice and prosperity. Her calm face is framed by a tiered, intricately carved crown with a mark at the center of her forehead. Layers of necklaces and a beaded cord cross the bare torso, gathering at a jeweled clasp above the waist. A feathered curl rises from one shoulder, and the arms end just below it. The stone is dark gray and finely grained. Forty-eight inches high.

She does not look up. She does not need to.