36" Large Goddess Meenakshi Kanya Dan Performing Vishnu | Wooden Statue

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100% Handmade

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MADE IN INDIA.

36" Large Goddess Meenakshi Kanya Dan Performing Vishnu | Wooden Statue

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Name: 36" Large Goddess Meenakshi Kanya Dan Performing Vishnu | Wooden Statue
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: MIW206
Price: 1145.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$1073.25

$1431

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

The most auspicious union in three realms, the marriage of Shiva and Parvati has been captured in the oral, literary, and artistic traditions of India, as a moment when the Srishti experienced heavenliness in all its glory. In Southern India, the togetherness of Shiva and Shakti is remembered in the narrative of “Meenakshi-Kalyanam”, the marriage of Meenakshi or Parvati with Shiva, where Vishnu becomes the brother of Parvati, offering her hand in marriage to Shiva.

Inspired by the visual representation of Meenakshi-Kalyanam on the walls of South Indian sanctums, this wooden statue depicts Shiva as a celestial groom, with a divine red form, accompanied by Uma-Parvati, a youthful female with charming sandalwood skin, and Vishnu. The stances and expressions of the three beings, and the act of Paanigrahan, or taking the hand of the bride in which, they are engaged, bring a narrative beauty to the statue.

The marriage of the supreme male and female aspects of the Universe is celebrated by all beings, represented by the earthly sages in the lower section of the artwork, and the flying celestial beings in the upper section, holding floral garlands that become a halo to the celestial scene.

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Specifications

	MIW206
	Wood
	Height: 35.5 inch
	Width: 17.5 inch
	Depth: 4 inch
	Weight 16 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 35 days
	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Divine Union: Capturing the Sacred Moment

This exquisite, large wooden sculpture brings to life a pivotal moment from Hindu mythology, depicting the divine marriage ceremony, or *Kanya Dan*, between the revered Lord Vishnu and the goddess Meenakshi. The artistry is truly captivating, with each figure rendered in vibrant, aged colors that speak of its vintage heritage. The intricate detailing, from the ornate headdresses to the flowing garments, showcases the skill of the artisan and the rich tradition from which it originates.

The Celestial Dance of Gods and Goddesses

The central figures are arranged with graceful poise, embodying the sanctity of the occasion. Lord Vishnu, often depicted as the preserver of the universe, is shown here in a form that signifies his auspicious union. His posture and the objects he holds, if any, would further hint at his divine role in this sacred ritual. Beside him stands Meenakshi, the warrior goddess of Madurai, renowned for her fish-shaped eyes and her formidable strength, yet here portrayed in the gentle act of matrimony. Their joining is a powerful symbol of divine harmony and the cyclical nature of creation and preservation. Flanking the central couple, and positioned above them, are celestial beings, possibly Gandharvas or Apsaras, caught in dynamic poses. These heavenly dancers often grace such divine events in Hindu epics, their presence adding to the grandeur and celebratory atmosphere of the depicted scene. Their energetic forms provide a striking contrast to the serene solemnity of the central union, highlighting the multifaceted nature of divine life. The overall composition is a masterful narrative carved in wood, evoking a sense of reverence and wonder.

A Testament to Timeless Craftsmanship

This piece is more than just a decorative item; it is a window into the soul of ancient Indian artistry and devotion. The wood, weathered by time, lends an authentic vintage charm that cannot be replicated. The colors, though softened with age, retain their vibrancy and contribute to the statue's profound character. The smaller figures at the base, perhaps representing devotees or attendants, further enrich the storytelling, grounding the divine narrative in a more earthly context. This sculpture is a magnificent tribute to the enduring power of faith and the artistic legacy passed down through generations. It serves as a powerful reminder of the sacred bonds that form the universe, a truly captivating center-piece for any discerning collection.

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.

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