It is one of my continuing traditions to start the New Year with a blog on Ganesha, the one who is worshipped before you embark on anything new. Given the popularity and the different ways he relates to us, I do not run out of his bronzes.

Even by that token, this Ganesha is special for its size and immaculate condition. With the Bhadapeetha, he is 15 cm tall, and the Vigraha itself is about 10 cm tall.

The patina suggests some age, but the wear does not corroborate the age. The reason may be the damage (now repaired) to the front of the base. It is generally accepted that the damaged Vigrahas should not be worshipped. It is quite likely that the Vigraha was retired from worship quite early in its life and has retained the features—well-defined features, I should add.

Ganesha is holding his broken tusk, an elephant goad, a noose and a Modak (his favourite sweet) in his hands. Clockwise starting from the lower right hand.

The back is not worked on as much as one expects in a typical Tamil Nadu bronze. The work and the detailing are well above average. This may be dated to the nineteenth century, possibly the second half.