A POLYCHROME-PAINTED REVERSE GLASS PORTRAIT OF THE HINDU GODDESS OF KNOWLEDGE, SARASWATI
Thanjavur (Tanjore), Tamil Nadu, Southern India, late 19th century

Opaque pigments and gold leaf on glass, the vertical composition depicting the Hindu goddess Saraswati seated on a lotus throne, symbolising light, knowledge and truth, playing the veena with two hands, holding the Vedas in one hand and a tool in the shape of a knife or decorative pointy stick in the fourth hand, possibly a pewter to play the veena, the stylised swan or Hamsa duck carved in the capital of the column to the right a clear link to her traditional vahana (mount), mounted and framed, 66cm x 50.5cm including the frame.