Object Details
Label
Elephant-headed Ganesha, the god of new beginnings and the remover of obstacles, is perhaps the most popular god in India. Hindus regard him with affection and invoke him at the start of every new project, whether it be cooking a feast or writing an exam paper; he is also placed at the entrance to temples so that worship may commence with him.
This sculpture displays the ornate carving and exuberant decoration characteristic of art created under the Hoysala dynasty (1042-1346). The decorated floral arch surrounding the sculpture suggests that it once occupied a cell or niche in a temple.
Provenance
?-?
William H. Wolff, Inc., New York, NY, method of acquisition unknown [1]
By 1982-1987
Arthur M. Sackler, purchased from William H. Wolff, Inc. [2]
From 1987
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, gift of Dr. Arthur M. Sackler [3]
Notes:
[1] See Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Gift Inventory, number S-3000, lists the Wolff stock number “WW 02/931F” as a dealer number, copy in object file.
[2] See note 1. Peter Marks evaluated the work in 1982.
[3] Pursuant to the agreement between Dr. Arthur M. Sackler and the Smithsonian Institution, dated July 28, 1982, legal title of the donated objects was transferred to the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery on September 11, 1987.
Research Completed October 20, 2022
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Collection
Exhibition History
The Art of Knowing in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Himalayas (March 25, 2023 - ongoing)
Gods, Companions, and Devotees (October 14, 2017 to March 13, 2020)
Sculpture of South Asia and the Himalayas (May 4, 1988 to July 9, 2017)
Previous custodian or owner
William H. Wolff, Inc. (1906-1991)
Dr. Arthur M. Sackler (1913-1987)
Credit Line
Gift of Arthur M. Sackler
Date
12th-13th century
Period
Hoysala dynasty
Accession Number
S1987.960
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
Sculpture
Medium
Chloritic schist
Dimensions
H x W x D: 88.6 x 53.7 x 33.7 cm (34 7/8 x 21 1/8 x 13 1/4 in)
Origin
Halebid, Karnataka state, India
On View
East Building (Arthur M. Sackler Gallery), Gallery 22a: The Art of Knowing in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Himalayas
Related Online Resources
Google Arts & Culture
See more items in
National Museum of Asian Art
Data Source
National Museum of Asian Art
Topic
Ganesha
Hoysala dynasty (1110 - 1327)
India
conch shell
axe
South Asian and Himalayan Art
Link to Original Record
Record ID
fsg_S1987.960