In addition to being the remover of obstacles, Lord Ganesha is also considered a patron of the arts, and the God of wisdom and intellect. He is the legendary scribe who wrote the epic Mahabharata as the sage Ved Vyasa dictated it. Ganesha broke off one tusk and proceeded to use it as a pen, until the transcription came to an end. In this artistic brass Ganesh statue, Ganesha is depicted in a relaxed posture reading a book which has the inscription Om Namah Shivay (mantra to venerate his father Shiva). The Ganesha is seated on a swan boat. The swan is deeply associated with Brahma, and is considered the symbol of creation. This solid Ganesh brass statue measures 9 inches high and 10 inches wide with intricate detailing on all sides. Due to the handmade nature of the product minor scratches and defects are common and add to the artistic appeal of the statue.