Artist: Ann Richmond
Made In: England
Status: Fixed Editions
Edition Size: 500
Carving Date: 2006
Release Date: 9/28/2006
In Store Date: 2/10/2007
Dimensions (Inches): 3 x 2.5 x 3.6
S e c r e t s:
Lakshmi is the consort of Lord Vishnu and the goddess of prosperity, purity and generosity. Her name derives from the Sanskrit ‘laksme’, meaning attainment. She therefore represents the goal of life - worldly and spiritual prosperity. Lakshmi has four arms. Two hold lotus flowers, the third is dispensing wealth and the fourth is giving a blessing. The two elephants are her familiar companions and are typically portrayed spraying her with water, as seen here. One interpretation is that the water represents a reward for hard work – our life’s own lotus receives water. Her lotus-flower throne is a reminder of her purity and beauty, growing as it does from the earth. The lotus itself has two meanings. The first is that it grows in water but never becomes swamped – a lesson for those acquiring and enjoying wealth. The second is that the flower symbolizes wealth, as it can afford India’s irregular water supply. The white owl is Lakshmi’s personal transport but is also symbolic of her all-seeing wisdom. The interior owl and the date along the base is a reference to Ann’s partner Gary’s recent graduation with a Masters in creative writing. Moonlight, written on the elephant’s rug, is the name of Ann’s favorite local curry house. The “L” plate on the elephant’s backside is in homage to the final shot in the 1960’s cult comedy “Carry On Up The Khyber”.