Stone India, 19th century Dimensions: Height 13 cm Wide 14 cm Depth 7 cm Weight: 1290 grams Stone carved in the shape of an open shell exposing a scenery of Vishnu and Lakshmi to us. The heavenly couple is seated in the center, both their bodies embraced by the coils of a large snake, Sheesha, shielding the couple with its seven heads. Both deities are carrying weapons, are dressed in long, decorted dhotis and they are gazing at each other. They are surrounded by adorants and disciples in zoomorphic shape. All of them are leaning towards the couple in devotion. In the sky we see Garuda floating in the center in a yogic position. To his right a woman playing a flute on a bird, representing Saraswati, to his left a woman seated on a mystical creature with human head and wings, possibly representing Kinnara.