18th c Hindu icon 'ganesh'; bronze; 1 3/4"h or 4.4cm 'Ganesh' is the Hindu 'god of beginnings', 'remover of obstacles', he takes precedence at the opening of rites and ceremonies and blesses new enterprises. Also know as 'Ganapati' or 'Vinayaka'. He is the son of Lord Shiva and his consort, Parvati. And has the head of an elephant due to an unfortunate misunderstanding with his father. The animal with which he is associated is the mouse. The lovely patina of this piece - and its buttery-smooth surface - are due to a couple of centuries of reverent handling. SOLD Thank you