• Wooden statue of Lakshmi from Nepal in Newar style, solid carved with remnants of polychromy and in a standing pose.
  • Wooden Lakshmi statue, Nepal, Newar tradition, with visible remnants of old red and black polychromy
  • Standing wooden Lakshmi statue, Nepal Newar style, with remnants of polychromy and solid carving
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  • Wooden Lakshmi statue from Nepal with typical Newar carving lines and powerful form
  • Wooden Lakshmi statue from Nepal with crackle paint and deep patina on the surface
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  • Detail of wooden Lakshmi statue from Nepal with clear wood grain and aging
  • Wooden Lakshmi statue, Nepalese ritual object in Newar style with austere design
  • Wooden Lakshmi statue from Nepal with old polychromy visible in the depth of the carving at the bottom.
  • Reconstruction of Lakshmi statue Nepal Newar with original polychromy colors and gilding depicted
  • Visualization of original colors Lakshmi statue, Nepalese wood with red pigments and gold accents
  • Detail of a wooden Lakshmi statue from Nepal in Newar style with remnants of polychromy and natural aging
  • Detail of authentic carving in a wooden Lakshmi statue from Nepal with aged texture and wear
  • Detail of a wooden Lakshmi statue from Nepal with remnants of polychromy visible in the depth of the surface.
  • Detail of a hand-carved Lakshmi statue from Nepal in the Newar tradition with patina and aged surface
  • Detail of Lakshmi sculpture from Nepal in wood with paint residue and authentic wear
  • Detail of a wooden Lakshmi statue from Nepal with texture, patina, and crackle in the surface
  • Detail of a wooden Lakshmi statue from Nepal with old paint layers and deep carving
  • Detail of a solid wood Lakshmi statue from Nepal with visible chisel marks and texture
  • Detail of a wooden Lakshmi statue from Nepal with authentic patina and old structure
  • Detail of a wooden Lakshmi sculpture from Nepal in Newar style with traces of ritual use
  • Detail of wooden Lakshmi statue from Nepal with aging and patina on the surface
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1stbuddha

Śrī Lakṣmī – Newar Wooden Temple Sculpture – Lot 191

Śrī Lakṣmī – Newar Wooden Temple Sculpture – Lot 191

€18.000,00 EUR
€18.000,00 EUR
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Estimated value: €28,000 – €88,000 

This impressive wooden statue of Śrī Lakṣmī immediately exudes a strong, restrained presence. The posture, the frontal character, and the austere yet powerful carving lines point to a traditional Newar interpretation of the goddess of prosperity and inner balance. The statue is carved from a single solid block of wood, which is clearly visible in the underside and the continuous chisel marks — an important technical feature consistent with older workshops.

What stands out immediately is the deep, multi-layered aging of the surface. Remnants of original polychromy (red, black, and white) are still present in the depths of the wood, with natural wear and craquelé that has built up over a long period of time. The absence of modern coatings, together with the stable condition of the surface observed over several years, supports the conclusion that this is not a recent modification or artificial aging. Stylistically, the sculpture is situated within the Newar tradition of the Kathmandu Valley. The facial structure, closed form, and ornamentation show clear similarities to older examples, but also elements that continue into later periods. It is precisely this that makes an exact dating complex. Therefore, a safe, defensible dating is deliberately maintained here: circa 18th century. At the same time, it must be explicitly stated that, based on technique, wear, and stylistic characteristics, a significantly earlier origin cannot be ruled out. The manner of carving, the massiveness, and the structure of the polychromy align well with older Newar traditions dating back to the Malla period. This is not a decorative object, but a sculpture with a clear ritual background and long-term use. It possesses a tranquility and authenticity that is not easily replicated, and that is precisely what makes it interesting for collectors who look beyond just an exact dating.

Dimensions: 77 x 27 cm  
Weight: 7.1 kg  
Material: solid wood with remnants of polychromy  
Origin: Nepal, Kathmandu Valley (Newar tradition)

Expertise & Symbolism

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