A CARVED SANDALWOOD ICON OF VISHNU AND HIS CONSORT
Thanjavur (Tanjore), Tamil Nadu, South India, late 19th - 20th century

Carved on three sides, resting on a rectangular stepped base, the murti (icon) showcasing the divine couple of Vishnu and his consort, possibly the Goddess Lakshmi, flanked by three attendants, one holding a tall parasol, below the couple a kneeling Hanuman and a sadhu with rosary beads divided by a ceremonial brazier with a flame, the composition framed by a rounded arch with a kirtimukha at the top, 19cm high.