India Stone Ganesha goddess. 28,5 cm H. 12th century AD

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Ruth Garrido Vila
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila

Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.

Estimate  € 6,100 - € 7,000
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Ganesha statue in sandstone from India, dating to the 12th century AD, approximately 20 cm high (29.5 cm with the stand), 18.5 cm wide and 10 cm thick, in good condition and previously in a private collection in France since 1970, acquired by the current owner in 2025.

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Description from the seller

Ganesha goddess

Stone, sandstone

India, 12th century AD

20 cm height, 18,5 cm width and 10 cm thickness, 29,5 cm height with stand.

Condition: Very good, see photos.

Provenance: Private collection, France, 1970.

Ganesha, traditionally worshipped as a god rather than a goddess, occupied a prominent place in Indian religious art during the 12th century, a period marked by the flourishing of stone sculpture under various regional dynasties. In Shaivite and Vaishnavite temples alike, his figure appeared in reliefs and sculptures intended to invoke protection, wisdom, and good fortune.

During this century, especially in regions such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha, artisans developed representations of Ganesha with remarkable technical sophistication. Reliefs often showed him seated in the lalitasana posture, with a prominent belly and an elephant head decorated with conical or floral crowns. His multiple arms held symbolic attributes such as the axe, the modaka sweet, the rope, and occasionally the gesture of granting wishes.

In temples now belonging to the Hoysala and Chola styles, Ganesha appeared in exterior niches and narrative panels, integrating himself into broader iconographic programs. Finely chiseled surfaces highlighted geometric patterns, plant motifs, and ornaments that framed the divine figure. These sculptures not only served a devotional function but also demonstrated the aesthetic mastery of regional workshops, consolidating Ganesha's image as an essential spiritual presence in medieval India.

Seller's Story

IMPORTANT NOTES: -We are a professional seller. - All items sold will come with their professional invoice. - All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity (warranty document), including the description, image and provenance of the item. - All items will be shipped via private courier with insurance (DHL express, CORREOS of Spain, or other similar with tracking number). - All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiques over 100 years old and their price valued. - For shipping outside of EU: Delivery time subject to customs clearance. Liability and Customs Regulations or Import Requirements applicable in the destination country are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We are not responsible for delays caused by customs procedures. Import taxes and vat are not included in the shipping costs. The import tax or VAT payable depends on the country of destination. Payments of any taxes or any disputes with the Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer. - For some of the items offered, for shipment outside the European Union it is necessary to obtain an Export Permit which will detail the payment by the buyer of Export Fees according to Spanish legislation. If it is necessary it will be mentioned in the description of the article, BECAUSE NOT IN ALL THE CASES IT IS LIKE THAT. These fees will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed on the final auction price and the tax rate is not applied directly on the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it: Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. From 6,001 to 60,000 euros: 10%. This export permit application process can take between 1-2 months maximum. - We guarantee that he acquired this piece according to all national and international laws related to the ownership of cultural property.
Translated by Google Translate

Ganesha goddess

Stone, sandstone

India, 12th century AD

20 cm height, 18,5 cm width and 10 cm thickness, 29,5 cm height with stand.

Condition: Very good, see photos.

Provenance: Private collection, France, 1970.

Ganesha, traditionally worshipped as a god rather than a goddess, occupied a prominent place in Indian religious art during the 12th century, a period marked by the flourishing of stone sculpture under various regional dynasties. In Shaivite and Vaishnavite temples alike, his figure appeared in reliefs and sculptures intended to invoke protection, wisdom, and good fortune.

During this century, especially in regions such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha, artisans developed representations of Ganesha with remarkable technical sophistication. Reliefs often showed him seated in the lalitasana posture, with a prominent belly and an elephant head decorated with conical or floral crowns. His multiple arms held symbolic attributes such as the axe, the modaka sweet, the rope, and occasionally the gesture of granting wishes.

In temples now belonging to the Hoysala and Chola styles, Ganesha appeared in exterior niches and narrative panels, integrating himself into broader iconographic programs. Finely chiseled surfaces highlighted geometric patterns, plant motifs, and ornaments that framed the divine figure. These sculptures not only served a devotional function but also demonstrated the aesthetic mastery of regional workshops, consolidating Ganesha's image as an essential spiritual presence in medieval India.

Seller's Story

IMPORTANT NOTES: -We are a professional seller. - All items sold will come with their professional invoice. - All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity (warranty document), including the description, image and provenance of the item. - All items will be shipped via private courier with insurance (DHL express, CORREOS of Spain, or other similar with tracking number). - All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiques over 100 years old and their price valued. - For shipping outside of EU: Delivery time subject to customs clearance. Liability and Customs Regulations or Import Requirements applicable in the destination country are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We are not responsible for delays caused by customs procedures. Import taxes and vat are not included in the shipping costs. The import tax or VAT payable depends on the country of destination. Payments of any taxes or any disputes with the Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer. - For some of the items offered, for shipment outside the European Union it is necessary to obtain an Export Permit which will detail the payment by the buyer of Export Fees according to Spanish legislation. If it is necessary it will be mentioned in the description of the article, BECAUSE NOT IN ALL THE CASES IT IS LIKE THAT. These fees will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed on the final auction price and the tax rate is not applied directly on the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it: Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. From 6,001 to 60,000 euros: 10%. This export permit application process can take between 1-2 months maximum. - We guarantee that he acquired this piece according to all national and international laws related to the ownership of cultural property.
Translated by Google Translate

Details

Culture
India
Century/ Timeframe
12th century AD
Name of object
Ganesha goddess. 28,5 cm H. 12th century AD
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Stone
Country acquired from
France
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1970
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Sold by
SpainVerified
1156
Objects sold
98.51%
protop

Disclaimer

The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.

The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.

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