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MADE IN INDIA.

The Apsara Applying Vermillion (A Statue Inspired by Khajuraho)

$862.50
$1150
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
(Can Be Hung On Wall)
Specifications
ZEE47
South Indian Temple Wood Carving
Height: 35.7 inch
Width: 14.5 inch
Depth: 3.7 inch
Weight 11.60 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.

Echoes of Celestial Beauty: The Apsara Wood Carving

Step into a realm of divine artistry with this exquisite South Indian temple wood carving, a vibrant depiction of an Apsara in a moment of celestial grace. Inspired by the famed sculptures of Khajuraho, this piece captures the spirit and sensuality of the ancient Indian tradition, bringing a touch of the divine into your home. The Apsaras, celestial nymphs in Hindu mythology, are known for their breathtaking beauty, enchanting music, and graceful dances. They are often depicted in temple architecture, adorning pillars and walls, symbolizing beauty, prosperity, and the allure of the heavens. This particular carving portrays an Apsara applying vermillion, a symbolic gesture of adornment and auspiciousness. The intricate details of her jewelry, the delicate turn of her head as she applies the auspicious red mark, and the graceful flow of her posture all speak to the masterful craftsmanship of the artisans. The rich, earthy tones of the wood are brought to life with a vivid palette of colors – deep greens, fiery oranges, sunny yellows, and hints of regal blue and red. These colors are not merely decorative; they evoke the lush natural surroundings often associated with the Apsaras, as well as the vibrant cultural tapestry from which they hail.

A Narrative in Wood: The Khajuraho Connection

The inspiration drawn from Khajuraho is palpable. The temples of Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Madhya Pradesh, India, are renowned for their intricate and often erotic sculptures, which depict various aspects of human life, mythology, and spirituality. While this carving focuses on the serene beauty of an Apsara, it shares the same spirit of dynamic form and detailed execution found in those ancient masterpieces. The Apsaras at Khajuraho are not just decorative elements; they are storytellers, each posture and gesture conveying a narrative. This carving, too, invites viewers to imagine the story unfolding – the melody she might be humming, the fragrance of the flowers around her, and the peaceful ambiance of her divine abode.

Artistry of South India: A Legacy of Craftsmanship

This remarkable piece is a testament to the rich legacy of South Indian temple wood carving. For centuries, artisans in the southern regions of India have honed their skills, transforming blocks of wood into breathtaking works of art. The tradition is deeply intertwined with religious and cultural practices, with many carvings adorning temples and sacred spaces. The meticulous attention to detail, from the flowing lines of the Apsara's form to the delicate rendering of the surrounding flora and fauna, highlights the deep respect and skill involved in this ancient art form. The carving features symbolic elements like the small deer-like creature near her feet, often seen in Indian art as a representation of innocence and nature's gentleness. The lush foliage and the exotic fruits surrounding her further enhance the feeling of an ethereal, natural paradise. This wood carving is more than just an object; it is a bridge to a timeless artistic heritage, a tangible piece of India's soul, crafted with passion and precision.

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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