Ganesha Statue - Antique Thai Style Bronze Reclining Ganesha Statue on Moon - 31cm/12"

Antique Thai Style Bronze Reclining Ganesha Statue in Moon - 31cm/12"

Measures – (Height) 31cm/12”

An antique Thai-style bronze Ganesha gracefully reclining on the moon, with a wonderfully distinctive patina that enhances its character and age.

Ganesha, the elephant-headed son of Shiva, is one of the most beloved deities in Hinduism, revered as the remover of obstacles, lord of beginnings, patron of the arts and sciences, and deity of intellect and wisdom. He holds his broken tusk in one hand and a bowl of sweetmeats in the other, echoing the classic iconography that celebrates both his sacrifice and his love of abundance.

In this sculpture, the crescent moon beneath him alludes to the famous tale of Ganesha and the moon. After a lavish feast prepared in his honor, filled with his favorite sweets, Ganesha ate so much that his belly swelled enormously. Embarrassed by his appearance, he chose to leave under the cover of night so no one would see his enlarged stomach. As he departed, the radiant moon laughed at him, mocking his form. Angered and humiliated, Ganesha cursed the moon to disappear from the sky forever.

The moon, terrified of losing its light and place in the heavens, begged for forgiveness. Ganesha, softening with compassion, wished to retract his curse—but once spoken, a curse could not simply be undone. Instead, he modified it: the moon would wax and wane, growing thinner each day and becoming invisible only once a month. That darkest night, known as Amavasya, is still regarded as inauspicious. This story, evoked by Ganesha reclining on the moon, gently reminds us to act with kindness, avoid ridicule, and offer forgiveness to those who sincerely repent.

On Ganesha’s head is carved a trident, or trishula, a principal symbol in Hindu iconography that underscores his divinity. The three points of the trishula are rich with layered meanings and are often said to represent sacred trinities such as creation, preservation, and destruction; past, present, and future; or body, mind, and atman (soul). Other interpretations link the three points to dharma (cosmic law), bliss, and manifestation; or to clarity, knowledge, and wisdom. Through these many readings, the trident affirms Ganesha’s connection to cosmic balance, time, consciousness, and spiritual power.

Ganesha also holds a lotus bud, the timeless symbol of enlightenment. The lotus, rising unsullied from muddy waters, represents purity, spiritual awakening, and the journey toward higher consciousness. Seen in Ganesha’s hand, it signifies his blessing that devotees may attain enlightenment and enduring spiritual happiness.

The direction of Ganesha’s trunk adds another layer of meaning. Here, the trunk turns to his left, a configuration traditionally associated with worldly success, prosperity, and harmonious household life. This left‑bending trunk is especially auspicious for grihastas, or householders, making the piece particularly fitting for a home environment.

Historically, Ganesha’s earliest forms in India were closely linked with fertility and abundance. Over time, his role expanded, and he came to be widely venerated as the remover of obstacles, lord of beginnings and thresholds, and a powerful guardian for new ventures. Today he is also honored as the patron of learning, the arts, and refined intellect, making his presence welcome in study spaces, studios, and places of creative work.

Visually, the bronze shows a beautiful, nuanced patina that speaks to age, handling, and devotional use, lending the figure a sense of warmth and authenticity.

One of the most recognizable deities in Asian art, this reclining moon‑Ganesha is sure to bring a sense of gentle joy, protection, and endlessly timeless style to any home or collection.

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