A bronze group of Vishnu and Laksmi

15th century, South India

Height: 9.5 cm, 3.7 inches

Vishnu, known as Narayana when represented together with Lakshmi, is depicted holding a lotus bud, seated on Lakshmi’s knee, Lakshmi’s other leg hanging down in rajalila asana, all upon a circular lotus base on a square section at the bottom. Vishnu is depicted holding two of his attributes – a conch shell and wheel, in the other two hands one supports his consorts waist, the other is held up in the gesture of reassurance.