VISHNU AND LAKSHMI Stone Nepal , 16th century Dimensions: Height 24 cm by 15 cm Weight: 4337 grams Vishnu with his consort Lakshmi standing each on their own lotus throne, but altogether based on a larger lotus throne. Next to their feet we see the turtle king Kurma Raja and bird king Garuda. Each deity is surrounded by a pearl-and-flame aureole, as is the entire ensemble. Vishnu holds four attributes in his hands: a gada representing his power, a lotus padma that alludes to rebirth, a wheel for enlightenment and a conch representing life-giving water. Lakshmi is showing the varada and abhaya mudra. Both are wearing elaborate jewellery and crowns, big garlands hang around their shoulders. Both of them are smiling gently.