Top quality painting on camel bone, Vishnu and Laksmi, India, 1850-1900

Vishnu and Laksmi on a piece of camel bone. ( size of the paiting 16x10 cm) Total size 30x24 cm. Date: 1850-1900 ( the painting)

Amazing piece of a high quality!! Painted on one whole piece of camel bone!! You find them more, small ... but this is a big size. High artistic level ! Painted with just a few hairs on the brush.

Vishnu's partner is Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, abundance and happiness. Vishnu and Lakshmi are often worshiped and depicted together in Hindu mythology. Lakshmi is considered the divine consort of Vishnu, and together they represent the aspects of preservation and prosperity in Hinduism.

( Last picuture comes from De Zwaan, Amsterdam, auction house. 27x19 painted on paper, sold for € 400 which is close to € 600 including costs. Beautiful quality also but .. on paper .. not on camel bone, and smaller also)

Vishnu is one of the principal deities in Hinduism and is considered a major god in the Hindu pantheon. He is often regarded as the preserver and protector of the universe. Vishnu is part of the Holy Trinity (Trimurti) in Hinduism, alongside Brahma, the creator, and Shiva, the destroyer. The Trimurti represents the cyclical nature of creation, preservation, and dissolution in the cosmos.

Here are some key aspects and characteristics associated with Vishnu:

Preserver and Protector: Vishnu is primarily known for his role as the preserver of the universe. Whenever the balance between good and evil is threatened, Vishnu is believed to incarnate in various forms (avatars) to restore cosmic order.

Avatars: Vishnu is said to have ten principal avatars, known as the Dashavatara. These incarnations include well-known figures like Rama and Krishna. Each avatar has a specific purpose, such as restoring dharma (righteousness) and defeating evil forces.

Consort and Symbolism: Vishnu is often depicted with his consort, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. He is portrayed with four arms, holding a conch shell (shankha), a discus (chakra), a mace (gada), and a lotus flower (padma). These symbols represent various aspects of cosmic power and divine attributes.

Epics and Texts: Vishnu plays a significant role in Hindu epics, especially the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. In the Mahabharata, he delivers the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred text that is considered a philosophical and spiritual guide.

Worship: Vishnu is widely worshiped in various forms across Hindu traditions. Devotees often worship him through prayers, rituals, and festivals. Temples dedicated to Vishnu, such as the famous ones in Tirupati and Vaikuntha, are visited by millions of pilgrims.

Associations: Vishnu is associated with the qualities of mercy, compassion, and righteousness. His name is derived from the Sanskrit root "Vish," meaning to pervade, and he is often described as the one who encompasses and sustains the entire universe.

The worship of Vishnu is a central aspect of Vaishnavism, one of the major traditions within Hinduism. Devotees believe that by surrendering to Vishnu and seeking his protection, they can attain spiritual liberation (moksha).