Bala Ganesha with His Brother Karttikeya

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Bala Ganesha with His Brother Karttikeya

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Name: Bala Ganesha with His Brother Karttikeya
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZBR49
Price: 625.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$781

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	ZBR49
	Carved Cedar Wood from Trivandrum (Kerala)
	Height: 15.5 inch
	Width: 11 inch
	Depth: 6 inch
	Weight 3.75 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 35 days
	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Divine Union: Ganesha and Kartikeya in Cedar Wood

This exquisite wood carving captures a tender moment between two of Hinduism's most beloved deities: Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, and his younger brother, Lord Kartikeya, the god of war. Carved from fragrant cedar wood sourced from the verdant landscapes of Trivandrum in Kerala, India, this piece embodies both spiritual significance and artistic mastery. The warm, natural tone of the wood enhances the intricate details of the carving, making it a truly captivating centerpiece for any sacred space or home.

The Beloved Vighnaharta and His Valiant Brother

Ganesha, with his distinctive elephantine head and portly form, is depicted in his youthful aspect, radiating a gentle charm. He is often revered as Vighnaharta, the one who dispels all impediments and bestows good fortune. His presence here, serene and approachable, invokes a sense of peace and auspiciousness. Beside him stands Kartikeya, the son of Shiva and Parvati, a formidable warrior deity. Kartikeya is often depicted with a spear or vel, symbolizing his divine power and his role as protector. In this carving, he stands tall, his gaze perhaps watchful or protective, a contrast to Ganesha's calm demeanor, yet their proximity highlights their fraternal bond. The composition suggests a harmonious relationship, a divine partnership that reflects the balance of strength and wisdom.

Mythological Roots and Symbolism

The dynamic between Ganesha and Kartikeya is a rich tapestry in Hindu mythology. While both are sons of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, their stories are filled with unique tales of their divine exploits and sibling rivalry. One well-known legend recounts a race around the world between the two brothers, a challenge set by their parents. Ganesha, with his unique understanding of divine wisdom, circumambulated his parents, explaining that for him, they represented the entire universe. This act of devotion won him the boon of being worshipped before any other deity. Kartikeya, meanwhile, embarked on a physical journey across the globe. Their contrasting approaches – one of inner knowledge and the other of outward action – are often seen as complementary forces. This carving beautifully encapsulates their shared divine heritage and individual characteristics, presenting them as a unified force of divine energy.

Artistry from the Heart of Kerala

The choice of cedar wood from Trivandrum is significant. Kerala is renowned for its skilled artisans who have perfected the art of wood carving over generations. The cedar wood, known for its durability and pleasant aroma, lends itself beautifully to intricate carvings, allowing for fine details and a smooth, polished finish. The artist has skillfully brought these divine figures to life, imbuing them with a sense of movement and presence. From the delicate adornments and sacred symbols to the expressive faces and the textured base, every element of this sculpture speaks of dedication and reverence. The inclusion of their respective vahanas, the mouse for Ganesha and the peacock for Kartikeya, further enriches the narrative and adds layers of symbolic meaning to this divine depiction. This artwork is not just a statue; it is a vessel of devotion, a testament to ancient traditions, and a beautiful piece of art that can grace any environment with its divine aura.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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