{"product_id":"lakshmi","title":"Śrī Lakṣmī – Newar Wooden Temple Sculpture – Lot 191","description":"\u003cp\u003eEstimated value: €28,000 \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e– \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e€88,000 \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat 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.\n\nStylistically, 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.\n\nTherefore, 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.\n\nThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions: 77 x 27 cm   \u003cbr\u003eWeight: 7.1 kg   \u003cbr\u003eMaterial: solid wood with remnants of polychromy   \u003cbr\u003eOrigin: Nepal, Kathmandu Valley (Newar tradition)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cdiv style=\"font-family: 'Georgia', serif; border: 1px solid #b08d57; padding: 20px; background-color: rgba(176,141,87,0.05); border-radius: 5px; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 30px;\"\u003e\n\u003ch4 style=\"color: #b08d57; margin-top: 0; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 1px; font-size: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(176,141,87,0.3); padding-bottom: 8px;\"\u003e\n    Expertise \u0026amp; Symbolism\n  \u003c\/h4\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"color: #fff; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 12px;\"\u003e\n    Would you like to fully understand the deeper iconographic meaning, the correct mudras and the ritual context of this object?\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/the-hindu-gods-page-sanatana-dharma\" style=\"color: #d4af37; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; font-size: 14px; display: inline-block; border: 1px solid #d4af37; padding: 8px 15px; border-radius: 3px; transition: 0.3s;\"\u003e\n    READ OUR GODS GUIDE →\n  \u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"1stbuddha","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56575318851915,"sku":"191","price":18000.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1012\/6170\/5547\/files\/nepal-houten-lakshmi-beeld-newar-massief-snijwerk-polychromie.jpg?v=1771580720","url":"https:\/\/1stbuddha.com\/products\/lakshmi","provider":"1stbuddha","version":"1.0","type":"link"}