A wooden chhavi (image) of Purushottama Rama, the most superior (‘uttama’) of all men (‘purusha’). On a double-tiered lotus pedestal He stands, His stance as gentle and wise and gathered. Indeed, there are many instances in the Ramayana that sing praises of His steady temper and unflinching conformism to dharma (righteousness).
Carved from a block of wood, this Rama murti is a monotone sculpture. The colour is of the deep, dark earth. Hints of a fairer ochre are to be found in the places where the carving is particularly intricate, such as the embroidery on His dhoti and the curve of His life-sized bow (without a bow, the iconography of the gallant prince of Ayodhya would be incomplete). This texture is characteristic of the organic medium.
A long, slender backdrop that does not deviate much from the figure’s silhouette. Densely carved leaf and petal and vine carved onto its surface. This is indicative of the vana (wilderness), where the Lord spent fourteen years at the behest of His deeply saddened father.
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.
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