Lenox Ganesh Idol

Lenox - the Chinese, US gift and collectible major - released 15-inch-tall and 12-inch-wide idol of Lord Ganesha in June. Simmi Chopra - who sells Lenox Classics at her Mitzi's Hallmark and Collectibles Shop at Lake Buena Vista, Orlando - introduced the idea of Hindu idols to Lenox executives.

Lenox after much deliberation brought out a limited-edition of 1000 pieces with Simmi Chopra as the sole retailer.

Kelly Griffith writes in Orlando Sentinel

The Lenox company, founded in the late 1880s, guarantees satisfaction: You don't like it, bring it back. Ganesha's dozens of formed pieces, 100 attached crystals, 15 hand-painted colors and 24-karat-gold trim made the large porcelain bone-china statue a particular challenge. It took three years to complete the project. Multiple molds were tried and trashed along the way.

The first piece was donated to the Hindu Temple of Greater Orlando in Casselberry. Second was sold for a price of $2000. No idea what is the price tag of the remaining. But the Lenox Ganesh Idol is a success.

Each Ganesh Idol is the product of three months labor of 100 dedicated artisans. The idol is made out of ivory china and 24-karat-gold.

The company is now planning to bring out the "OM" symbol, idols of Goddess Durga and Lakshmi are also being planned.