Dimensions: Height 4 + 5 + 7 cm

Weight: 336 grams with base

Three Ganeshas on a square plinth with long trunks, probably holding their broken tooth in the hands

Antique khmer style Angkor Wat bronze seated Ganesha. The distinctive patina of the piece is particularly delightful. Ganesha is the elephant headed son of Shiva. He holds his broken tusk in one hand and a bowl of sweetmeats in another hand. He is also holding one of his spiritual weapons, the Chakra or discus and a musical conch shell. Similar to Krishna Ganesha celebrates life through it's pleasures and beauty. The direction of Ganesha's trunk has symbolic meaning. Here the trunk turns to Ganesha's left. This signifies the direction for success in the world. It is a position associated with grihastas, or householders. In his early forms in India, Ganesha was associated with fertility. Later he became widely revered as the Remover of Obstacles and more generally as Lord of Beginnings and Lord of Obstacles, patron of arts and sciences and the deity of intellect and wisdom.

This small early Cambodian depiction of Ganesha is largely consistent with Indian prototypes. Seated on a diminutive lotus throne, the corpulent deity holds a bowl, broken tusk, goad, and what may be a cluster of prayer beads in his four hands.