Sandalwood Agarbathi Stand
Sandalwood agarbathi stand with radial lotus-petal construction
Angled view showing concentric carved sandalwood petals and turned central incense holder.
Name/Title
Sandalwood Agarbathi StandEntry/Object ID
182Description
Summary Sandalwood agarbathi stand produced in Karnataka, India, circa 1969–1971. Constructed in a lotus-derived radial form with pierced incense apertures and concentric carved petals, the object reflects the integration of sandalwood handicraft into everyday South Indian domestic devotional practice. Purchased by Vijaya Kumari Ramakrishna shortly after establishing her household, the stand remained in regular use within the family showcase/prayer cabinet for several decades. Despite prolonged use and repeated household movement, the object survives in notably intact condition with only minor soot spotting and handling wear. ⸻ Detailed The object is constructed around a turned central spindle supporting two concentric radial tiers of thin carved sandalwood petals above a circular stepped base with scalloped perimeter. The upper conical element is pierced with multiple apertures intended to receive agarbathi (incense sticks). The petals are individually shaped and symmetrically arranged around the spindle, producing a lotus-derived devotional form associated with offering and ritual purity within Indian visual culture. The sandalwood surface exhibits moderate oxidation and localized black spotting caused by prolonged incense use. Minor dust accumulation remains visible within recessed areas and between petals. Surface wear is light and consistent with careful long-term domestic handling. The object retains unusually strong structural integrity for its type. The thin projecting petals remain intact despite decades of active use and multiple household moves. Purchased by Vijaya Kumari Ramakrishna circa 1969–1971 when establishing her household, the stand remained in regular devotional use within the family showcase/prayer cabinet for more than three decades. Around 2007, it was transferred to the owner as part of the continuing stewardship of the family’s domestic devotional objects.Category
Permanent Collection