- Size: 20.5cm x 14.0cm x 14.0cm, 2460g
- Era: vintage, second half of the 20th century
- Material: brass or brass-based copper alloy. Made using traditional sand casting technique.
Ganesha, a symbol of beginnings, auspiciousness, and understanding!
This striking and heavy metal-cast Ganesha is a vintage piece, most likely dating from the latter half of the 20th century. Surface wear reflects its age and history of use. It is well suited to a space where thoughtful intention, favourable beginnings, and wise progress are valued.
Symbolic meaning
Ganesha is an elephant-headed Hindu deity traditionally invoked before new ventures, transitions, and important decisions. He is known as the remover of obstacles, the guarantor of auspicious progress, and the god of good fortune, wisdom, and intelligence. Ganesha is especially venerated at the start of new phases in life, whether marriage, a new job, a journey, or moving to a new home. For centuries he has been closely associated with learning, the arts, writing, commerce, and governance. His name refers both to the people and to the divine host that he leads.
Ganesha’s iconography is precise and meaningful. The elephant head is associated with broad vision, memory, and deliberation. The large belly symbolises the capacity to hold life’s contradictions and incompleteness without losing balance. The mouse at the front of the base serves as his vehicle, representing persistent progress and the ability to move even along difficult paths. In this way, Ganesha unites strength with subtlety.
Ganesha’s birth myths repeatedly return to the theme of a new beginning achieved through hardship. According to the best-known account, the goddess Parvati created a son to protect her. Shiva unknowingly severed the boy’s head. The gift of an elephant’s head restored his life, but permanently altered his form. For this reason, Ganesha is often depicted holding a broken tusk, symbolising sacrifice and the loss that leads to understanding.
