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8" The Hindu Deities - Gaura and Nitai

$464.25
$619
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Only 1 available
Specifications
MIV386
PINK STONE FROM ORISSA
Height: 8.5 inch
Width: 3 inch
Weight 4 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 6 days
Returns and Exchanges accepted within 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.

The Embodiment of Divine Ecstasy

This exquisite wooden statue captures the joyous spirit of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, affectionately known as Gaura, and His elder brother, Nityananda Prabhu, or Nitai. Together, they are revered as the Golden Avatars, whose advent heralded an era of ecstatic chanting and divine love in the medieval period of India. Their presence is said to have transformed hearts and inspired a profound devotion that continues to resonate through centuries. The artistry of this piece is evident in every curve and detail. Carved from fine wood, the figures are depicted in a state of ecstatic dance, their arms raised in divine surrender and their bodies swaying in blissful abandon. The serene expressions on their faces, with gentle smiles and closed eyes, convey a deep sense of spiritual rapture. Gaura, with His distinct crown and flowing drapery, embodies the youthful exuberance of divine love, while Nitai, often depicted as His inseparable companion, shares in this boundless joy. The carving meticulously portrays the intricate adornments worn by these divine beings. Delicate necklaces, armbands, and waistbands are rendered with precision, hinting at the opulent yet humble nature of their spiritual presence. The flowing cloth draped around their shoulders and waists adds a dynamic sense of movement, suggesting that the very moment of divine effusion has been captured in this static form. The figures stand upon a lotus base, a universally recognized symbol of purity, spiritual awakening, and divine beauty, further enhancing the sacred aura of the sculpture. These deities are central figures in Gaudiya Vaishnavism, a devotional tradition that emphasizes the ecstatic chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra as the primary means of spiritual realization. Lord Chaitanya, believed by His followers to be an incarnation of Krishna Himself, appeared in Bengal in the 15th century to spread the divine love of Radha and Krishna. His associate, Nityananda, a powerful and compassionate preacher, played a crucial role in this movement, spreading its message far and wide. Their teachings underscore the importance of divine grace, the bliss of devotional service, and the universal brotherhood of all beings. This statue serves not just as a beautiful decorative item but as a tangible reminder of the profound spiritual legacy left by Gaura and Nitai. It is an invitation to embrace the joy of devotion, to find spiritual solace, and to invite a sense of divine grace into one's home and life. Its presence can inspire moments of contemplation and connect one to the timeless tradition of bhakti yoga. ––––––––––––––––––

A Symbol of Devotion and Grace

The subtle, natural grain of the wood lends a warmth and authenticity to the figures, making them feel both ancient and alive. The unvarnished finish allows the natural beauty of the wood to shine through, further emphasizing the purity and simplicity that are hallmarks of these divine personalities. This piece is ideal for placement in a puja room, meditation space, or any area where one seeks to cultivate a spiritual atmosphere and connect with the divine. It is a testament to the enduring power of faith and the universal appeal of divine love, brought to life through masterful 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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