Indonesian Seated Figure of Lakshmi

Four hands, two of them holding up lotus buds as if presenting evidence.

This seated figure of Lakshmi comes from Indonesia and dates to the 20th century. It is river stone. Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and good fortune, is often shown seated on a lotus, and representations vary widely from one region and period to the next. The figure sits cross-legged on a lotus base, eyes lowered, beneath a tall tiered crown with a pointed finial. Her upper hands raise lotus buds, and her lower hands rest on her knees, palms open. Necklaces, armbands and a looping sash are carved in fine detail across the dark stone. It is 22 inches wide and 35.25 high.

Calm, it turns out, can be carved in stone.