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Ardhanarishvara (Shiva Shakti)

$937.50
$1250
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
XP80
South Indian Temple Wood Carving
Height: 36 inch
Width: 14 inch
Depth: 6 inch
Weight 7.90 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.

A Harmonious Union

This stunning wood carving, handcrafted in the South Indian temple tradition, portrays a profound concept central to Hindu philosophy: the inseparability of the masculine and feminine principles. Every line and curve of this piece speaks to the divine unity, a balance of strength and grace, power and compassion, embodied in the androgynous form. The artistry reflects centuries of devotional craftsmanship passed down through generations of skilled artisans. It’s more than just a decorative object; it's a representation of the fundamental truth that creation itself arises from the union of these complementary forces.

The Tale of Ardhanarishvara

The form depicted is a manifestation of Shiva and Shakti, representing the inseparable nature of consciousness and energy. Ardhanarishvara is typically depicted as half-male and half-female, split down the middle. The right side, representing Shiva, often bears the traditional marks of the ascetic god: matted hair, sometimes adorned with the crescent moon and a cobra, along with ornaments and a determined stance. The left side represents Parvati, Shiva's consort and the embodiment of Shakti. Her side is often adorned with flowing hair, ornate jewelry, a gentle expression, and flowing garments. According to one legend, the sage Bhrigu, a staunch devotee of Shiva, refused to acknowledge Parvati during his circumambulations of the divine couple. Upset by his behavior, Parvati resolved to become one with Shiva, forcing the sage to acknowledge both of them as a unified whole. This tale beautifully illustrates the necessity of recognizing the divine feminine in the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. The Ardhanarishvara form ultimately symbolizes the resolution of duality and the attainment of wholeness.

A Piece of Living Tradition

The rich, warm tones of the wood lend a natural beauty to this carving, enhancing the intricate details of the adornments and expressions. The artisan's skill is evident in the delicate balance achieved within the sculpture. Consider the smooth textures and precisely carved features, showcasing the rich heritage of South Indian temple art. Owning this piece is more than just acquiring an object; it is bringing a piece of living tradition into your home, a constant reminder of the balance and harmony that exists within the universe and within ourselves. The presence of this sculpture brings a sense of serenity and spiritual depth to any space.

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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