A Glimpse of Divinity
Crafted with precision and devotion, this wooden panel presents a vision of Lord Tirupati Balaji, also known as Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu, the preserver in the Hindu trinity. The artwork captures the essence of the deity, whose primary temple is located atop the sacred Tirumala Hills in Andhra Pradesh, India. The very name "Tirupati" signifies "Lord of the Seven Hills," underscoring the location's sacred geography. The divine aura is palpable in the rendering, which seeks to bring a piece of that spiritual power into your home.The Legend of Venkateswara
The story of Venkateswara is intertwined with the tale of Padmavathi, an incarnation of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. According to legend, Vishnu took the form of Venkateswara to marry Padmavathi. To meet the expenses of the wedding, he took a loan from Kubera, the treasurer of the gods. Devotees, to this day, offer wealth to Lord Venkateswara, believing that doing so helps him repay the debt and, in turn, brings prosperity to their lives. This act of devotion symbolizes surrendering to the divine and seeking blessings for well-being. The panel serves as a reminder of this mythological narrative, blending artistry with spiritual significance.Mysore Inlay Artistry: A Legacy of Craft
This piece exemplifies the rich tradition of Mysore wooden inlay, a craft form that originated in the royal city of Mysore, Karnataka. This intricate art involves meticulously embedding different materials into the wood, creating beautiful patterns and designs. The natural colors used on the wooden panel are achieved through skillful selection of wood types and careful staining, preserving the inherent character of the medium while creating a visually stunning portrayal of the deity. The practice has been passed down through generations of artisans, each piece carrying within it the weight of historical knowledge and the spirit of the craftsman.Artistic Details
Measuring 18 inches in height, 12 inches in width, and 2 inches in length, this panel is a substantial work of art, well-suited to become a focal point in any room. The three-dimensional effect creates depth that draws the eye into the sacred scene, which depicts Venkateswara in his characteristic pose. With intricate details of his attire, adornments, and the archway that surrounds him, this panel provides not only an artistic visual but also invites spiritual contemplation. Whether as a piece of home décor or a sacred object of veneration, this representation offers a tangible link to the spiritual heritage of India and the profound symbolism of Lord Venkateswara.How Mysore Wooden Inlay Paintings Are Made ?
Wood inlay is a historically significant art form from the 18th century. It arrived in India through Srirangaptnam in Mysore from Persia but has become an inevitable part of the Indian heritage. Tipu Sultan and the Wodeyars/Wadiyars are credited with the growth of this 400-year-old art form in Mysore and its neighboring areas.
Wood inlay work is usually done on a Mysore rosewood base, and other woods are used, like mango, kadam, jackfruit, rubber, doodhi, etc. Pieces of wood are adorned with beautiful motifs and patterns made from various materials. From wall hangings and paintings to jewelry boxes and furniture, many items are made using the Mysore wood inlay technique.
An outline is etched on a piece of rosewood with a sharp tool. Then, the area inside the outline is hollowed out, and materials like lacquer, enamel, contrasting wood, and sometimes even gold and silver are placed inside it. A sandpaper is used to give a
smooth finish to the surface.
Process of Mysore Wood Inlay Work -
The first step in the process is selecting the base and the design to be carved onto it. Planks are cut out of Rosewood logs in many shapes like square, rectangular, oval, or even circular. The surface is smoothened, and the sides are evened out.
The second step is creating the designs for the inlay on paper. These designs are then traced on transparent paper and then transferred to the surface of the desired material, such as another type of wood, lacquer, plastic, etc.
After that, the design is traced onto the rosewood planks. Using a coping saw, the designs are cut, and the rough edges are smoothened using a smooth file. Once that is done, the wood inside the outline is scooped out, leaving groves in the plank.
After that, the design cutouts are fitted in the groves, and the surface is beaten with a hammer to ensure the designs stay firm and in place. In case of any gaps, they are filled using a mixture of glue, rosewood, and sawdust.
The final step in creating Mysore wood inlay products is cleaning and polishing the items with beeswax. A coating of lacquer is applied to give them a glossy touch.
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