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Ananda Nritya of Shri Ganesha

$309.75
$413
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
ZEN324
South Indian Temple Wood Carving
Height: 24 inch
Width: 4.5 inch
Depth: 11.5 inch
Weight 6 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 40 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 Divine Dance of the Remover of Obstacles

Embrace the auspicious energy of Lord Ganesha with this exquisite South Indian temple wood carving, depicting the deity in a dynamic dance pose. Known as "Ananda Nritya," meaning the dance of bliss, this posture captures Ganesha's joy and the boundless blessings he bestows. Carved from rich, dark wood with remarkable detail, this piece is a testament to the masterful craftsmanship honed over generations in the temple traditions of South India. Each curve, each flourish of his trunk, and every intricate piece of jewelry is brought to life by skilled artisans, imbuing the sculpture with a divine presence. The depiction of Ganesha in dance is a powerful symbol of cosmic creation and destruction, of the rhythm of life and the unfolding of the universe. Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed god, is revered as the Vighnaharta, the remover of obstacles, the patron of arts and sciences, and the intellect personified. His presence is invoked before any new undertaking, ensuring smooth passage and success. In this dancing form, he embodies the uninhibited joy and divine exuberance that can overcome any challenge. The detailed carving showcases Ganesha adorned with elaborate necklaces, armbands, and anklets, indicative of his regal status and divine glory. His trunk is gracefully curled, often a symbol of his wisdom and ability to discriminate between right and wrong. The posture itself, with one leg raised and the other bent, suggests movement and vitality, a celebration of life's vibrant energy. The base on which he stands is equally ornate, reflecting the architectural splendors of South Indian temples, often featuring lotus motifs and intricate carvings that add to the overall sacred aura of the piece. ––––––––––

A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Devotion

This statuette is not merely an object of art; it is a conduit of faith and a piece of living heritage. The tradition of wood carving in South India is deeply intertwined with religious practices and temple architecture. Temples across states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are renowned for their intricate wooden sculptures, adorning everything from chariots to temple pillars and deity idols. Artisans inherit these skills, meticulously hand-carving each piece with a reverence that honors the divine subject matter. This particular carving embodies the spirit of those sacred spaces, bringing a touch of ancient devotion and artistic brilliance into your home or spiritual sanctuary. The warmth of the wood and the palpable divine energy emanating from the sculpture make it a truly special addition to any collection. It is a reminder of the transformative power of devotion and the enduring beauty of traditional art forms.

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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