About this piece
A small seated Lakshmi in panchaloha bronze, made by the lost wax method (madhuchista vidhana) in Swamimalai, Tamil Nadu, a town long known for temple bronzes. Panchaloha means an alloy of five metals.
She has four arms and sits on a round base. The piece is 7.5 cm (3 in) tall and weighs 200 g, and the finish is a coppery brown with some darker patches. It suits a small shelf or a compact home shrine.
How it is used
Many homes keep a Lakshmi image on a small altar, often with a lamp and flowers. At this size it can sit on a shelf in a puja corner without taking much room.
Looking after it
- Dust with a soft dry cloth.
- Avoid harsh polish, which can mark the finish.
