Shrinathji is a Hindu
deity and a manifestation of Lord Sri Krishna, appearing as a 7-year-old Balak
or kid. Shrinathji is the presiding god of the Vaishnava sect, also known as
Pushtimarg (the Path of Grace), Vallabh Sampradaya, or Shuddhadvaita, which was
founded by Shri Vallabhacharya. This Wooden Panel made of the finest Teak Wood
pays tribute to the heartwarming image of Srinathji. Here Lord Srinathji is
seen standing under a beautifully carved peacock aureole that is further
decorated with coiling vines.
The most attractive
point of this panel is Srinathji’s face which shows a tranquil look. He is
brilliantly ornamented and it is the talent of the craftsmen to showcase the
ornament of Srinathji most finely. Even the pearls look real and not carved.
His mukut stands balanced on one side of his showcasing the hypnotising look of
Lord Srinathji. Placing the panel in a worship space increases the sacred
energy of the space manifolds and allows the devotee to connect with the lord.Divine Form in Teak
Behold a handcrafted wooden panel, a testament to devotion and artistic skill. This exquisite piece features a depiction of Shrinathji, a revered form of Krishna, meticulously carved from rich teak wood. Every detail, from the elaborate ornamentation to the gentle expression on Shrinathji's face, is rendered with precision and care, inviting a sense of serenity and spiritual connection into your space.
The natural grain of the teak wood adds a warm and organic feel, highlighting the depth and texture of the carving. The panel is framed by intricate floral and foliate designs, creating a visually captivating composition. It's not just a decorative item, but a work of art that embodies the divine presence of Shrinathji.Shrinathji: A Manifestation of Love
Shrinathji is particularly worshipped within the Vaishnava tradition, especially by followers of the Pushtimarg sect. Legend has it that this form of Krishna self-manifested from the Govardhan Hill near Mathura, India. The deity is typically depicted as a young boy, often adorned with rich garments and jewelry, and is seen as the embodiment of divine love and grace. The daily rituals (seva) performed at Shrinathji temples are elaborate and emphasize the devotee's loving relationship with the deity, treating Him like a cherished child. The stories and devotional songs surrounding Shrinathji are replete with themes of love, surrender, and the joy of divine communion. The prominent Nathdwara temple in Rajasthan houses the original Shrinathji idol, and it is a major pilgrimage site where devotees gather to experience the divine presence and participate in the joyous celebrations. The image of Shrinathji is often used in homes and places of worship as a focal point for meditation and devotion, reminding devotees of Krishna's ever-present love and protection.The Enduring Beauty of Teak
Teak wood is prized for its exceptional durability and natural resistance to decay, making it a material that will last for generations. Its rich color and distinctive grain patterns add to its aesthetic appeal. The wood's inherent oils provide a natural sheen and protect it from moisture, ensuring that this panel retains its beauty even in humid environments. Choosing teak is not only an appreciation for fine craftsmanship, but also an investment in a lasting piece of art.
This panel is ideal for adding a touch of spirituality and elegance to your home or office. Hang it in your puja room, living room, or any space where you seek to create a peaceful and inspiring atmosphere. It also makes a thoughtful and meaningful gift for loved ones who appreciate religious art and fine craftsmanship.Sculpting Serenity: Unveiling the Art of Crafting Wood Statues
Wood has been a preferred material for sculptures and statues since ancient times. It is easy to work with than most metals and stones and therefore requires less effort to shape it into any desired shape or form. The texture of the wood gives an element of realism to the sculpture. The selection of an appropriate wood type is necessary for carving. Woods that are too resinous or coniferous are not considered good for carving as their fiber is very soft and thus lacks strength. On the other hand, wood such as Mahogany, Oakwood, Walnut wood, Weet cherry wood, etc., are preferred by sculptors because their fiber is harder.
A wood sculptor uses various tools such as a pointed chisel in one hand and a mallet in another to bring the wood to the desired measurement and to make intricate details on it. A carving knife is used to cut and smooth the wood. Other tools such as the gouge, V-tool, and coping saw also serve as important tools in wood carving. Although the wood carving technique is not as complex and tough as stone carving or metal sculpting, nonetheless, a wood carver requires a high level of skills and expertise to create a stunning sculpture.
1. Selecting the right wood
The process of wood carving begins with selecting a chunk of wood that is required according to the type and shape of the statue to be created by the sculptor. Both hardwoods and softwoods are used for making artistic pieces, however, hardwoods are preferred more than softer woods because of their durability and longevity. But if heavy detailing is to be done on the statue, wood with fine grain would be needed as it would be difficult to work with hardwood.
2. Shaping the wood
Once the wood type is selected, the wood carver begins the general shaping process using gouges of various sizes. A gouge is a tool having a curved cutting edge which is useful in removing large unwanted portions of wood easily without splitting the wood. The sculptor always carves the wood across the grain of the wood and not against it.
3. Adding detailing
When a refined shape of the statue is obtained, it is time for making details on the statue using different tools. This is achieved by using tools such as a veiner to make and a V-tool to create decorative and sharp cuts.
4. Surface finishing
Once finer details have been added, the sculptor is ready to smoothen the surface and give it a perfect finish. Tools such as rasps and rifflers are used to get a smooth surface. The finer polishing is obtained by rubbing the surface with sandpaper. If a textured surface is required, this step is skipped. Finally, to protect the statue from excessive dirt accumulation, the sculptor applies natural oils such as walnut or linseed oil all over it. This also brings a natural sheen to the statue.
How to care for Wood Statues?
Wood is extensively used in sculpting especially in countries like China, Germany, and Japan. One feature that makes the wood extremely suitable for making statues and sculptures is that it is light and can take very fine detail. It is easier for artists to work with wood than with other materials such as metal or stone. Both hardwoods, as well as softwood, are used for making sculptures. Wood is mainly used for indoor sculptures because it is not as durable as stone. Changes in weather cause wooden sculptures to split or be attacked by insects or fungus. The principal woods for making sculptures and statues are cedar, pine, walnut, oak, and mahogany. The most common technique that sculptors use to make sculptures out of wood is carving with a chisel and a mallet. Since wooden statues are prone to damage, fire, and rot, they require proper care and maintenance.
- Wood tends to expand and contract even after it has been processed, thus it is always recommended to keep the wooden sculptures in rooms with little humidity. Excess moisture can harm your masterpiece.
- Periodical dusting of the finished piece is necessary to maintain its beauty as dust accumulation on the surface takes away the shine of the sculpture. You can use a clean and soft cloth or a hairbrush for this purpose.
- You must avoid applying any chemical-based solutions that may damage the wood from the inside. Instead, you can apply lemon oil or coconut oil using a cotton rag to the sculpture to bring out its natural shine. Lemon oil also helps to clean any stains on the sculpture.
- Applying a layer of beeswax protects the wood from sun damage and hides even the smallest imperfections on the wood.
It is extremely important to preserve and protect wooden sculptures with proper care. A little carelessness and negligence can lead to their decay, resulting in losing all their beauty and strength. Therefore, a regular clean-up of the sculptures is a must to prolong their age and to maintain their shine and luster.
Upload an Image
