About This Piece
14″ Divine Mahalakshmi Standing | Handcrafted Brass | Antique Brown Finish
This 14.5-inch standing Mahalakshmi idol is handcrafted in brass and finished in a deep antique brown, measuring 14.5" H x 5.5" W x 7.5" D and weighing approximately 4,750 grams. The figure is cast in the classical four-armed form, standing upright on a layered octagonal pedestal that adds both structural stability and iconographic weight to the composition.
The casting work on this piece is detailed and deliberate. The upper two hands each hold a lotus bud, rendered with clear petal definition. The lower right hand is raised in abhaya mudra, offering protection, while the lower left extends downward in varada mudra, the gesture of bestowal. The figure wears an elaborate crown with a tiered finial, and the face carries a composed, forward-gazing expression. The torso is adorned with layered necklaces, armlets, and a beaded waistband, all carved with the density of temple iconography. The lower garment is rendered in fine pleated detail with decorative borders that extend to the ankles. The pedestal itself carries carved relief work across its tiers, consistent with the South Indian sculptural tradition this form draws from.
Mahalakshmi is venerated as the goddess of wealth, abundance, and auspiciousness across Hindu traditions. The standing posture — known as Sthanaka — combined with the four arms and specific mudras reflects a complete iconographic program meant to convey both protection and generosity simultaneously.
Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, has been the primary material for Indian devotional sculpture for centuries. It holds fine detail well during casting, develops a warm underlying tone, and maintains structural integrity over long periods without significant degradation.
The antique brown finish gives this piece the depth of aged metal, with darker recesses that accentuate the carved surfaces and a warmer tone across the raised details. As with all handcrafted brass work, no two pieces are identical — minor variation in surface tone, texture, and finish depth are inherent to the process.
This idol is suited for a dedicated puja room, a home altar, an entry console, or as a considered gift for occasions such as Diwali, Varalakshmi Vratham, or a housewarming.
