Ganesh — fortune-bringing deity in small form
This 10 cm tall Ganesh statue shows one of the favourite forms of classic Indian depiction: the elephant-headed deity with four arms, sitting on a lotus throne. In India, Ganesh is the fortune-bringing deity, the remover of obstacles, the patron of new beginnings — that is why many keep him in their homes when starting a venture, moving, or simply as a daily favourable presence.
The four arms and the lotus throne
The four-armed depiction is one of Ganesh's classic forms — expressing attention in four directions and presence in multiple directions. In classic depictions, each hand holds a different symbol: a sweet, a rope, a blade, and a hand gesture of protection. The lotus throne is also symbolic — in Indian art the lotus is a symbol of purity and enlightenment. It grows from the mud yet stays pure — that is its symbolic message.
Details and craftsmanship
Despite the small size, the details are fine: Ganesh's facial features, the ears, the tower-like crown, the position of the fingers, the lotus petals — all individually crafted. A magnifier is worth using to see the fine Indian artistic tradition. The 10 cm height is medium-small size — just right for a small home altar, a bookshelf corner or a window sill.
Where to place it?
According to Indian tradition, a Ganesh statue is often placed at the entrance — so a favourable presence welcomes everyone entering the house. Others place it on a small home altar or writing desk — at the start of an important decision or a new project, such a small statue shows itself beautifully. The white colour is modern, light, fitting well in a bright room. In the company of a small wooden bowl and a candle, it looks especially homely.
Characteristics of the white casting
Due to the casting process, the white colour may range from a more transparent, milky white to a porcelain-like white. The proportion of resin powder and lime powder, as well as temperature, produce this small variation — every piece is unique. Small pores and bubbles may appear on the surface, these are not faults but signs of hand casting. Wipe with a soft cloth, do not use chemicals. The statue retains its clean whiteness for years if carefully handled.