Raja Dushyant pursued his prey after the deer he had wounded with his arrow fled far into the forest, only to come across Shakuntala, the deer's caretaker. Shakuntala, the beautiful Apsara (celestial nymph) Menaka, and sage Vishwamitra's daughter seemed to Dushyant to be the most beautiful maiden on earth, second only in beauty and morality to Sri Lakshmi herself. Since their initial depictions in the renowned Hindu epic Mahabharata, the character of Shakuntala, her birth, her meeting with Dushyant, and the poignant events that followed, have been a favorite motif in Indian art.
Later, poet and dramatist Kalidasa wrote "Abhigyanashakuntalam," a magnificent work of poetry based on the poignant Shakuntala narrative. The scene that Dushyant's eyes saw in the grooves pursuing the deer is replicated in this stunning wooden artwork, which presents Shakuntala, the beautiful maiden in a playful pose with the deer. She holds a vine extending towards her, causing a sprout of blossoms in her surroundings, which symbolizes her fecundity and youthfulness, which can bring spring in nature with a mere touch and cause a spring of love in the heart of Dushyanta.
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.
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.
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist