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Antique Java Style Indonesian Majapahit Standing Bronze Vishnu & Lakshmi Statue - Protector & Preserver - 38cm/15"
Measurements Height 38cm/15"
An antique Java Style standing bronze Vishnu & Lakshmi sculpture in the 13th century Indonesian Majapahit style.
Vishnu is both world protector and preserver, restorer of moral order - he is all-powerful and all-pervasive by nature.
Lakshmi is the Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity (both material and spiritual), light, wisdom, fortune, fertility, generosity and courage. The embodiment of beauty, grace and charm. Also called Mahalakshmi, she is said to bring good luck, and is believed to protect her devotees from all kinds of misery and money-related sorrows.
Both deities are stood samabhanga on separate round lotus petal pedestals which are themselves loose mounted on a single, tiered rectangle pedestal. The lotus flower represents purity, compassion and the giving of great joy to all.
Garuda, the vehicle of Vishnu, is seated at the base of the pedestal. Important in both Hindu and Buddhist religions the Garuda is a large mythical bird with a wing-span of many miles, the bearer of Vishnu. Perhaps with a little 'poetic license' we are told that when the Garuda flaps it's wings hurricane winds arise that darken the sky and blow down houses.
Vishnu holds a lotus flower, conch shell and mandala. He also holds his gada or mace - symbolising his mental and physical strength.
In her left hand Lakshmi holds a lotus bud that extends to her shoulder. She also holds a kalasha. The kalasha is considered a symbol of abundance and "source of life" in the Vedas. It is referred to as "overflowing full vase" in the Vedas. The Kalasha is believed to contain amrita, the elixir of life, and thus is viewed as a symbol of abundance, wisdom, and immortality.
Both figures wear richly bejewelled dhotis and upavitas. Their faces have downcast gazes. Each wears a decorative Javanese style tiara, on their heads, in front of their Kirita-Makuta or tall conical crowns. This symbolises control over Positive and Negative attitudes.
The lotus flower motif extends to the richly decorated plinth. This can be seen best when both figures are removed. Vishnu and Lakshmi are backed by a flame rimmed aureole or halo. This symbolises their divinity.
The enthroned sculptures have a wonderful azurite and malachite patina.
Scholarly Reference:
New York Metropolitan Museum Collection - Accession Number: 1987.142.15
Christie's Auction House - Sale 2562 (December 2002) - INDIAN, HIMALAYAN AND SOUTHEAST ASIAN ART
Christie's Auction House - Sale 2612 (December 2003) - INDIAN, HIMALAYAN AND SOUTHEAST ASIAN ART
Bonhams - March 2018 - Fine Southeast Asian Arts
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