Goddess of Prosperity in Wood and Inlay
Adorn your home with a symbol of abundance and auspiciousness with this handcrafted wooden panel. This piece, meticulously crafted, depicts the Ashta Lakshmi, the eight manifestations of the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi, seated gracefully upon lotus blossoms. The natural colors of the wood are enhanced by intricate inlay work, highlighting the divine forms and creating a visually stunning representation of wealth and prosperity. The panel embodies the rich artistic heritage of Mysore, known for its exquisite woodwork and inlay techniques. Each lotus, each gesture of the goddesses, is rendered with careful attention to detail, reflecting the devotion and skill of the artisans.The Eight Forms of Fortune
In Hindu mythology, Lakshmi is not merely a goddess of wealth, but a deity embodying prosperity in its many forms. She is worshipped for bestowing not only material riches, but also spiritual well-being, good health, knowledge, strength, progeny, and success. The Ashta Lakshmi represent these diverse aspects of abundance. The eight forms, each with their unique blessings, are:
* Adi Lakshmi:
Represents the primal form of Lakshmi, the eternal and original. She symbolizes the primordial power and the source of all prosperity.
* Dhanya Lakshmi:
The granter of agricultural wealth and food. She ensures a plentiful harvest and sustenance.
* Gaja Lakshmi:
Associated with royalty and power, she is often depicted with elephants, symbolizing strength and abundance in worldly possessions.
* Santana Lakshmi:
Bestows blessings of progeny and ensures the continuation of family lineage.
* Veera Lakshmi:
The goddess of courage and strength, she grants victory over enemies and obstacles.
* Vijaya Lakshmi:
Represents success in all endeavors, be it personal or professional.
* Vidya Lakshmi:
The bestower of knowledge, wisdom, and learning, she is essential for intellectual and spiritual growth.
* Dhana Lakshmi:
The goddess of material wealth, gold, and financial prosperity.
By invoking these eight forms of Lakshmi, devotees seek a holistic and fulfilling life, blessed with all forms of prosperity.
Mysore Inlay: A Legacy of Craftsmanship
The creation of this panel is steeped in the tradition of Mysore wooden inlay, a craft that has flourished in the region for centuries. The intricate process involves meticulously embedding contrasting materials, such as ivory, sandalwood, and other precious woods, into a base of rosewood or teak. The artisans of Mysore are celebrated for their ability to create exquisite and detailed designs, often depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, flora, and fauna. The natural tones of the wood, combined with the delicate inlay work, imbue each piece with a unique character and timeless appeal. The warm hues and the smooth finish of the wood add a sense of serenity and elegance to any space. This panel is not merely a decorative item, but a piece of art that reflects the rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions of India. The dimensions of the panel make it a striking focal point, suitable for placement in living rooms, pooja rooms, or offices. Its presence is a constant reminder of the blessings of Lakshmi and the pursuit of a prosperous and fulfilling life.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.
