Panel - Hardwood - Relief carving of Lakshmi

This authentic, hand-carved Indian hardwood architectural fragment dates from the late 19th century to the early 20th century and forms a beautiful example of historical religious iconography. The solid panel, weighing 455 grams and measuring a compact 19.5 by 11 centimeters with a thickness of 4.9 centimeters, displays a detailed relief carving of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi. She is depicted in the traditional lotus pose, holding lotus blossoms in her upper two arms as a symbol of prosperity and fertility, resting on a pedestal with a characteristic geometric sun-ray pattern. The object is made from heavy-quality hardwood, presumably teak wood or sheesham, and over the decades has developed a deep, dark patina as a result of ritual handling and natural aging. This particular piece originally functioned as a decorative intermediate block or support panel within a larger architectural structure, such as a temple gate, the door jamb of a traditional haveli, or a ceremonial temple cart. The rough, flat back and the authentic peg holes at both the top and bottom — in which traces of the original mounting pins are still visible in places — attest to this original constructive function. The fragment is in a lovely, well-worn antique state with softly rounded edges from time and characteristic fracture marks at the base where it was detached from the larger structure, contributing to its unique and historical character as a collectible item.

Dimensions: 19.5x11x4.9 cm
Weight: 455 g