Lot 104
Southeast Asia, Thailand, Buddhist-Hindu Tradition, ca. 20th century CE. An image of divine multiplicity and meditative power, this Thai stone sculpture presents a rare form of Ganesha known as Trimukha Ganapathi, or the three-headed Ganesha. A 20th-century creation drawing upon ancient tantric and iconographic traditions, the piece balances stylistic homage to earlier Southeast Asian art with a bold symbolic reinterpretation of the elephant-headed deity. Ganesha is shown seated in a classic meditative pose atop a high double-tiered lotus base, his corpulent form exuding both serenity and sacred gravity. Three heads, each wearing a finely incised multi-tiered crown, radiate outward in a fan-like arc, forming a trinity that evokes omniscience, cosmic vision, and the all-encompassing nature of divine presence. His features are softened yet powerful, with long curving trunks and almond-shaped eyes drawn inward in yogic calm. Size: 13" L x 24.5" W x 36.5" H (33 cm x 62.2 cm x 92.7 cm)
The figure is adorned with ceremonial armlets, necklaces, and a pleated dhoti detailed with floral patterns and belt cords. Eight arms encircle his body in a rhythmic halo, each bearing a different ritual attribute - likely once symbolic of weapons, sweets, lotus buds, or sacred implements. This proliferation of limbs is not merely decorative but symbolic of his manifold powers: to remove obstacles, bestow boons, and protect devotees.
Though not a traditional image within classical Khmer or Indian sculpture, this modern Thai interpretation of Ganesha draws upon tantric iconography found in late medieval Nepalese and South Indian traditions, where Trimukha Ganapathi appears as one of Ganesha's 32 divine forms. His triple heads and multiple hands indicate transcendence of time, direction, and duality - a perfect figure for meditation, ritual, or artistic admiration. Executed in smooth, light-brown sandstone with uniform polish and crisp carving, the sculpture reflects both reverence and innovation - a 20th-century tribute to ancient sacred forms, reborn in Thai stone.
Provenance: private Studio City, California, USA collection
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#194938
- Condition: Light surface wear, but otherwise, intact and excellent with nice detail.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| 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 |