★ A rare plaque from Sri Lanka (Ceylon) ★

SRI LANKA (CEYLON). 1st-3rd centuries. Plaque (Bronze, 33x15 mm, 5.99 g, 12 h). Goddess Lakshmi standing facing on lotus, grasping with her hands two stalks of the plant; to left and right, elephant standing on blossoms at the ends of the two stalks, pouring water on Lakshmi's head out of their trunks. Rev. Standard surmounted by swastika; below, river. Pieper 775. Rare. Minor deposits and some stress marks, otherwise, very fine.

From the collection of Prof. Dr. Björn-Uwe Abels, received as a gift from Helmut Roth in 1999.

Abhisheka Lakshmi is flanked here by two elephants anointing her with water while she stands on a blooming and flourishing lotus flower. This depiction symbolizes the wealth and prosperity that Lakshmi will bring to her devotees in return for their prayers.