The Divine Protector
This captivating wooden panel depicts Lord Narasimha, the formidable avatar of Vishnu, seated with Goddess Lakshmi. The scene resonates with a palpable sense of power, compassion, and divine grace. Narasimha, with his lion’s head and human body, embodies a unique form of protection and righteous fury. Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and fortune, sits by his side, symbolizing the harmonious balance of power and auspiciousness. Together, they represent the ideal union of strength and serenity, a potent force against negativity and a source of blessings.
The legend of Narasimha is a powerful tale of devotion and divine intervention. Prahlada, a young devotee of Vishnu, was persecuted by his own demon king father, Hiranyakashipu, who had been granted a boon that made him virtually invulnerable. Hiranyakashipu, drunk on power, declared himself supreme and forbade anyone from worshipping Vishnu. When Prahlada refused to renounce his devotion, Hiranyakashipu tried repeatedly to kill him. Finally, in a climactic showdown, Hiranyakashipu challenged Prahlada’s belief that Vishnu was omnipresent, asking if He was in a pillar. Vishnu, in his Narasimha avatar, emerged from the pillar to vanquish the demon king. Because of the boon Hiranyakashipu had received that protected him, Narasimha was neither fully human nor animal, he appeared at twilight (neither day nor night), and slayed Hiranyakashipu on his lap (neither earth nor sky), at the doorway of his palace (neither inside nor outside).Craftsmanship and Artistry
Created with meticulous attention to detail, this panel showcases the exquisite artistry of Mysore wooden inlay work. The natural colors of the wood are carefully chosen and intricately pieced together to create a vibrant and dynamic composition. The inlay technique, a hallmark of Mysore craftsmanship, involves the precise embedding of contrasting materials into the wood, creating a seamless and visually stunning effect. Each element of the scene, from the intricate details of Narasimha's ornaments to the serene expression on Lakshmi's face, is rendered with exceptional skill and precision. The surrounding frame, carved with ornate floral patterns, further enhances the beauty and elegance of the piece. This panel is not merely a decorative object; it is a devotional object that brings a sense of peace and spiritual energy to any space. The panel is ready to be a timeless addition to your home.
Auspicious Symbolism
The presence of Lord Narasimha and Goddess Lakshmi together is considered highly auspicious. Narasimha is revered as a protector from evil and a remover of obstacles, while Lakshmi bestows abundance, prosperity, and good fortune. Displaying this panel in your home can create a positive and harmonious atmosphere, inviting blessings and safeguarding against negativity. It serves as a constant reminder of the power of devotion, the triumph of good over evil, and the importance of maintaining balance in life. This artwork is an investment in both beauty and spiritual well-being.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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