Lot 226

18th C. Indian Ganesha Figurine with Rat

Previous image preload Next image preload
Back to catalog
Lot 226
image_0 image_1 image_2 image_3
18th C. Indian Ganesha Figurine with Rat
18th C. Indian Ganesha Figurine with Rat
image_0 image_1 image_2 image_3

18th C. Indian Ganesha Figurine with Rat

Estimate: $450 - $675

Starting Bid: $175

(0 Bids)
by Artemis Fine Arts
August 7, 2026 9:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

South Asia, India, ca. 18th century CE. A diminutive yet expressive brass figurine of the elephant-headed god Ganesha, richly imbued with symbolic presence despite its small scale. The deity is shown seated with both legs bent and propped up before him, his corpulent belly prominently modeled as the center of his form. His four arms radiate outward, two bent in angular gestures while his long curved trunk descends in a graceful arc. Ganesha wears a tall conical headdress and broad circular ears that frame his serene face. At his proper right side crouches his vahana (mount), the rat, carefully delineated in miniature form and gazing upward toward the god. The figure rests upon a low base encircled with incised rope-like decoration, giving the piece a sense of stability and ritual presence. Size: 2.5" L x 2" W x 4" H (6.4 cm x 5.1 cm x 10.2 cm)

Ganesha, revered as the remover of obstacles, lord of beginnings, and patron of wisdom, was among the most widely worshipped deities of the Hindu pantheon during the 18th century. Portable images such as this one likely functioned as personal devotional icons, used in shrines or carried in travel to invoke the god's blessings. Its compact size and stylized modeling reflect the intimate nature of private worship while retaining the essential attributes of Ganesha's iconography: elephant head, potbelly, multiple arms, and his ever-faithful rat companion.

Provenance: ex-P.T. collection, Queens, New York, USA

SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.

Item # 197510

  • Condition: Weathering to surface with pitting and abrasions as shown. Some perforations and losses to base. Liberal remaining detail with rich patina throughout.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000