A bronze figure of Ganesha, Nepal, beginning of 20th Century.

From the Collection of the Krook Family

Sten Krook (1920-2009) and his mother Xenia Krook (1892-1988) shared a common interest in travelling and collecting Asian bronze figures. They conducted several journeys together to China, India, Nepal, Hong Kong and Thailand, during 1930-80's. The collection is an interesting mixture of religious figures from 15th to 20th centuries, from China, Tibet, Nepal, India and Japan.

Sten Krook’s passion for collecting art and antiques, and especially Asian bronzes and deities started at an early age when he travelled with his mother Xenia Krook. They both shared the interest of exploring foreign countries and collecting Asian works of Art. During the period 1930-1980 they made several journeys to China, India, Nepal, Hong Kong and Thailand. But they also frequented actions in Stockholm and Europe. Xenia Krook, was born in Denmark in 1892 in a family who had a great interest in archelogy, something you can find influenced them both. Quality and visual effect was important in their academic collection. They had a broad collection ranging from medieval sculptures up until late 19th Century from countries such as China, Tibet, Nepal, India and Japan. Many of them were sold at auction in Stockholm in 2014.

Ganesha (Sanskrit: गणेश, IAST: Gaṇeśa), also known as Ganapati and Vinayaka, is one of the best-known and most worshipped deities in the Hindu pantheon. His image is found throughout India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia (Java and Bali), Malaysia, Philippines, and Bangladesh and in countries with large ethnic Indian populations. Hindu denominations worship him regardless of affiliations. Devotion to Ganesha is widely diffused and extends to Jains and Buddhists.

Although Ganesha has many attributes, he is readily identified by his elephant head. He is widely revered, more specifically, as the remover of obstacles; the patron of arts and sciences; and the deva of intellect and wisdom. As the god of beginnings, he is honoured at the start of rites and ceremonies. Ganesha is also invoked as patron of letters and learning during writing sessions. Several texts relate mythological anecdotes associated with his birth and exploits.