Seated Four-Armed Ganesha

Seated Four-Armed Ganesha

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Shown sitting on a multitiered lotus, Ganesha holds a manuscript and water pot in his left hands. His upper right hand grasps an elephant goad, while he places his lower right hand on his stomach. Below him, facing a wheel-like device, are two rats; as an animal that, according popular tradition, can overcome any obstacle, the rat is an appropriate vehicle for him. This image was likely purchased by an individual for personal veneration.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

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The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.