Anantasayana  purchased from Imtiyaz in Mumbai in November 2023

Maharashtra 200 years old   cost was $1,000

CATALOG ENTRY

Object Title: Anantaśayana Vishnu with Lakshmi and Brahmā Region: Maharashtra, Western India Date: c. 1820–1880 (19th century) Material: Bronze (lost‑wax casting), mature patina Dimensions:

• Length: 3 ½ in.
• Height: 3 ¼ in.
• Width: 2 ½ in. Provenance: Acquired in Mumbai, 2023

Description

A rare 19th‑century Maharashtrian folk devotional bronze depicting Vishnu reclining on the serpent Śeṣa/Ananta, floating upon the Kṣīra Sāgara, the cosmic ocean of milk. Vishnu is shown in the classical anantaśayana posture, his body elongated and resting upon the coiled serpent bed.

At Vishnu’s feet sits Lakshmi, massaging them in a gesture symbolizing devotion, prosperity, and cosmic harmony. From Vishnu’s navel emerges the lotus, upon which sits a diminutive Brahmā, representing creation arising from Vishnu’s cosmic repose.

The compact proportions (3½ × 3¼ × 2½ inches) and dense sculptural arrangement are characteristic of Maharashtrian village-craft bronzes of the 19th century. The figures are modeled with rounded forms rather than elongated classical proportions, and the serpent coils are solid and volumetric. The surface exhibits a deep, layered brown patina with green undertones, consistent with age and devotional handling.

This tableau would have served as a domestic shrine object, used in household Vaishnava worship.

Iconography

• Vishnu reclining on Śeṣa/Ananta, symbolizing cosmic preservation
• Lakshmi massaging Vishnu’s feet, representing devotion and cosmic order
• Brahmā emerging from the lotus, symbolizing creation
• Śeṣa forming the serpent bed, representing infinity and cosmic support

This is the complete Vaishnava cosmological triad rendered in a regional folk idiom.

Stylistic Attribution

The modeling, proportions, and casting technique align with Maharashtrian folk bronzes from Thane, Raigad, Kolhapur, or Satara districts. The compact forms, simplified facial features, and narrative density are hallmarks of rural Vaishnava bronzes produced in the 19th century.

Condition

Excellent condition for age. Minor surface wear consistent with devotional use. Patina stable and well-developed.

Market Value Estimate (2024–2026 Trend)

Demand for Anantaśayana bronzes has risen sharply, especially for:

• multi‑figure compositions
• pre‑20th‑century examples
• regional folk variants
• complete iconographic sets

Based on recent private sales, dealer listings, and auction comparables:

Estimated Market Value:

$1,800 – $3,500 USD

Specialist Dealer Retail Range:

$3,500 – $5,000 USD

Auction Hammer Estimate:

$1,500 – $2,800 USD