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24" Bronze Ankush - The Elephant Goad

$973.70
$1391
30% off

This exquisite bronze Goad transcends its artistic appeal, serving as a potent symbol that resonates with themes of control, guidance, and overcoming obstacles. The Ankush, commonly known as the Elephant Goad, is more than a mere representation; it is a powerful emblem that carries a rich history and significance. In Hindu iconography, the Ankush is wielded by deities, symbolising their authority and control over both internal and external forces - amplifying the symbolic potency, portraying not only precision but also the strength required to navigate the journey of life. It becomes a visual reminder of your inner strength and ability to steer through challenges. Let it inspire you to overcome obstacles with resilience and precision, much like the elephant goad directs and guides its massive charge.

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Specifications
WSC481
Bronze
Height: 24 inch
Width: 7.5 inch
Depth: 7.5 inch
Weight 11.75 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Ships in 1-3 days
Returns and Exchanges accepted with 7 days
Free Delivery
Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Majestic Symbol: The Bronze Ankush

This 24-inch bronze Ankush, a goad traditionally used to guide elephants, transcends its practical function to become a powerful symbol of authority, wisdom, and control. Crafted from rich bronze (Panchaloha), its intricate detailing showcases the artistry of ancient Indian craftsmanship. The design seamlessly blends strength and elegance, reflecting the revered status of the elephant in Indian culture and mythology. The elephant, often associated with Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and god of wisdom, holds a special place in Hindu belief. This Ankush serves as more than a mere instrument; it is a visual representation of the gentle yet firm guidance needed to navigate life's challenges.

Mythological Echoes in Bronze

The elephant, a majestic creature symbolizing strength, wisdom, and devotion, features prominently in numerous Indian myths and legends. Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, is a beloved figure representing auspicious beginnings and the overcoming of adversity. Indra, the king of the gods, rides on Airavata, a magnificent white elephant, signifying divine power and sovereignty. The Ankush, therefore, takes on a symbolic significance linked to these powerful figures. It represents the ability to harness immense power with grace and compassion, echoing the ideal of leadership and guidance found in many ancient scriptures. Owning this piece is like owning a piece of ancient lore, a powerful reminder of the strength and wisdom embodied in mythology.

Beyond the Artifact: A Piece of History

The exquisite craftsmanship of this Ankush is a testament to the enduring legacy of Indian bronze artistry. The deep, rich bronze hue, achieved through the traditional Panchaloha method (an alloy of five metals), gives the piece a timeless quality. Every curve, every intricate detail, speaks of skilled hands and generations of passed-down knowledge. The piece’s meticulous detail and design, far from being merely decorative, serve as a reflection of the balance and harmony sought in both spiritual practice and worldly life. The Ankush is not just a beautiful object; it’s a tangible link to the rich artistic heritage of India, a piece of history you can hold in your hands.

A Sacred Symbol for Modern Times

While its historical context is undeniable, this Ankush is also a strikingly beautiful piece for contemporary spaces. Its rich bronze finish and elegant design make it a captivating focal point, equally at home in a study, meditation room, or as a unique piece in a collection of religious artifacts. Whether you're a scholar of Indian mythology, a collector of religious art, or simply appreciate the beauty of handcrafted objects, this Ankush will undoubtedly add depth and sophistication to your surroundings. Its presence evokes a sense of reverence and tranquility, making it much more than just a decorative item but a valuable addition to any sacred or contemplative space.

Eternal Brilliance Unveiled: The Mystique of Panchaloha Bronze and Artful Maintenance Rituals

 

Bronze is a metal alloy that has the primary composition of Copper and Tin. There is also an addition of other metals such as Manganese, Aluminium, Nickel, and some non-metals such as Phosphorus. This composition of several metals and non-metals makes Bronze an extremely durable and strong metal alloy. It is for this reason that Bronze is extensively used for casting sculptures and statues. Since Bronze has a low melting point, it usually tends to fill in the finest details of a mould and when it cools down, it shrinks a little that makes it easier to separate from the mould.

" If you happen to have a bronze statue, simply use a cotton cloth with some coconut oil or any other natural oil to clean the statue. "

 

A village named Swamimalai in South India is especially known for exceptionally well-crafted Bronze icons of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The skilled artisans of this place use Panchaloha Bronze for casting the icons. Panchaloha Bronze is made of five metals; Copper, Zinc, Lead, and small quantities of Gold and Silver. Zinc gives a golden hue to the finished figure and Lead makes the alloy softer for the easy application of a chisel and hammer. The common technique for producing these statues and sculptures is the “Lost-wax” method. Because of the high durability of bronze sculptures and statues, less maintenance is required, and can still last up to many decades.

Exotic India takes great pride in its collection of hand-picked Panchaloha Statues. You will find the murtis of Gods (Krishna, Hanuman, Narasimha, Ganesha, Nataraja, and Kartikeya) and Goddesses (Saraswati, Lakshmi, Durga, and Parvati), and Buddha statues. You can also buy Ritual paraphernalia (Wicks lamp, Puja Kalash, Cymbals, and Puja Flag) on the website. All these statues and items have been made with a lot of care and attention, giving them a flawless finish. Their fine carving detail represents the rich tradition of India.


Sculpting Dreams in Metal: The Enigmatic Alchemy of Panchaloha Bronze Masterpieces

Bronze statues and sculptures are known for their exquisite beauty and the divinity that they emit all around the space. Bronze is considered an excellent metal alloy, composed primarily of copper and tin. Many properties make it suitable for sculpting even the most intricate and complex structures. There was a period in history, known as the “Bronze Age'', in which most sculptors preferred to work with Bronze as it was considered the hardest metal. Bronze is especially appreciated for its durability, ductility, and corrosion-resistance properties. India is especially known for its elegant workmanship of skills working with Bronze. The artisans of a town named Swamimalai in South India have been following a tradition of bronze murti making for ages. They use a special material known as Panchaloha bronze to make fascinating icons of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. All of us are allured by the beauty of bronze statues and sculptures but there goes a tough hand in casting those masterpieces with little or no imperfections. Since it is an extremely elaborate process, a sculptor needs to be highly skilled in making bronze antiques. The most common technique for casting bronze sculptures that has been followed since ancient times is the “Lost-wax” process which involves many steps:

1. Clay model making

The making of a bronze statue or sculpture starts with preparing a full-sized clay (usually Plasticine) model of the sculpture. This allows the artist to have an idea about the overall shape and form of the desired sculpture before working with bronze, a much more expensive and difficult-to-work-with material.
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2. Mould making

Once the clay model is ready, a mould of the original sculpture is made. This is done by carefully covering the clay model with plaster strips. This step is carried out in such a way that no air bubbles are formed. It takes up to 24 hours for the plaster to dry. Once dried, the plaster is then gently removed from the clay model. The removal happens easily because the inner mould is usually made of materials such as polyurethane rubber or silicone.
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3. Wax filling and removal

In this step, molten bronze or wax is poured or filled into the mould in such a way that it gets even into the finest details. The mould is then turned upside down and left to cool and harden. When the wax has hardened, it is removed from the mould.
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4. Chasing

Chasing is the process in which the artist refines the surface of the bronze statue using various tools to achieve fine details. This smoothens the surface and gives the statue a finished look. If some parts of the statue were moulded separately, they are now heated and attached.
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5. Applying a patina

Bronze sculptures are known for their unique look or sheen on the surface. This may take several years to achieve naturally. Applying patina to bronze sculptures is an important step to make them appear attractive. Working with clay, plaster mould, and molten wax can be messy and therefore sculptors wear old clothes and remain careful. The entire process of making a bronze statue takes several months to complete. Bronze sculptures last for many centuries because of the high durability of the material. Many centuries down the line, these sculptures continue to be appreciated for their majestic beauty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
  • Q. Is the statue hollow or solid ?
    A. Panchaloha bronze statues are made through a process of lost wax casting, hence they are solid. To know more about how bronze statues are made, please read our article on Panchaloha Bronze Statues. Whereas, brass statues are made through a process of clay casting, hence are hollow.
  • Q. Can I see the original photo of the product ?
    A. For original pictures of the statue, kindly email us at help@exoticindia.com.
  • Q. Can I return the statue ?
    A. Of course you can return a statue. Returns need to be initiated within seven (7) days after delivery. All returned items must be in new and unused condition, with all original tags and labels attached. To know more about our Return Policy, please visit Return Policy.
  • Q. Can you customise the statue for me ?
    A. For any customisation, a new bronze statue has to be made. To know more, kindly email us at help@exoticindia.com.
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