Panchaloha Shrine Group with Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman
Panchaloha shrine group with Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman
Front view of cast devotional ensemble depicting Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and kneeling Hanuman beneath ornamental arch.
Name/Title
Panchaloha Shrine Group with Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and HanumanEntry/Object ID
185Description
Summary Panchaloha domestic devotional ensemble depicting Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman beneath an ornamental arch, purchased in Bangalore in 1994 from Manjunath Arts & Crafts, Jayanagar 4th Block. The object was acquired by the owner as a gift for Vijaya Kumari Ramakrishna and remained in her possession for more than a decade before being transferred to the owner circa 2007. Around the time of transfer, the ensemble was silver washed, giving the shrine group its present bright reflective surface. ⸻ Detailed The ensemble consists of four devotional figures integrated within a cast metal shrine structure beneath an ornamental arch or prabhavali. Rama occupies the central position and is represented holding a bow. Sita and Lakshmana stand symmetrically to either side, while Hanuman appears kneeling in devotional posture before Rama. The figures are mounted on an integrated rectangular base raised on short feet. Surface ornament includes heavily patterned garments, jewelry, floral arch detailing, and repetitive chased decorative textures characteristic of commercial devotional metal casting from Bangalore during the 1990s. The ensemble appears to have been cast in panchaloha alloy and subsequently silver washed circa 2007 at the direction of Vijaya Kumari Ramakrishna. The silver-toned surface remains bright and reflective with relatively limited tarnish visible from available views. Minor abrasions and handling wear are present along projecting edges and high points. The reverse is less refined than the frontal presentation and exhibits visible casting seams, rough finishing, and simplified surface treatment consistent with devotional objects intended primarily for frontal display within a domestic cabinet or shrine environment. The object was purchased by the owner in Bangalore in 1994 as a gift for Vijaya Kumari Ramakrishna. Around 2007, she transferred the ensemble to the owner after commissioning the silver wash treatment. The object now forms part of the curio cabinet display at Bangalore House.Type of Sculpture
Free StandingArtwork Details
Medium
Panchaloha (five metals)Category
Permanent Collection