Sterling Silver Agarbathi Stand Pair with Shankha and Chakra Motifs
Sterling silver Shankha and Chakra agarbathi stand pair
Front view of sterling silver incense stand pair modeled as the Vaishnavite Shankha and Chakra.
Name/Title
Sterling Silver Agarbathi Stand Pair with Shankha and Chakra MotifsEntry/Object ID
187Description
Summary Pair of sterling silver agarbathi stands in the form of the Vaishnavite Shankha (conch) and Chakra (discus), gifted to Vijaya Kumari Ramakrishna by her first cousin Rathna H during the 1983 housewarming ceremony for the family home. The pair remained in active devotional use for decades and was later transferred to Bangalore House circa 2012. The objects continue to be used regularly for incense offerings and preserve visible evidence of sustained ritual handling and worship. ⸻ Detailed The pair consists of two freestanding sterling silver incense holders modeled respectively as the Shankha (conch) and Chakra (discus), the principal symbolic attributes of Lord Vishnu within Vaishnavite devotional traditions. Each symbolic element rises from a stepped circular pedestal base with fluted lower molding. The frontal surfaces are densely ornamented with chased floral, geometric, and scroll-derived decorative motifs. The reverse incorporates functional incense insertion apertures and less-refined utilitarian finishing consistent with devotional ritual objects intended primarily for frontal display within a household shrine environment. The surfaces display accumulated evidence of prolonged devotional use, including soot residue, localized oxidation, polishing wear, and softened detailing from repeated handling and cleaning. Despite active use over multiple decades, the pair remains structurally intact and fully functional. The objects were gifted to Vijaya Kumari Ramakrishna by her maternal first cousin Rathna H during the 1983 housewarming ceremony for the family home. Around 2012, Vijaya Kumari Ramakrishna transferred the pair to the owner shortly before her passing. The incense stands remain in regular ritual use at Bangalore House.Category
Permanent Collection