•

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.

Bhagawan Shiva as Nataraja

Email

Whatsapp

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Copy link

Name: Bhagawan Shiva as Nataraja
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZAI62
Price: 485.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$454.50

$606

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Notify me when this item is available

Specifications

	ZAI62
	White Cedar Wood from Trivandrum (Kerala)
	Height: 21.5 inch
	Width: 14.5 inch
	Depth: 3.2 inch
	Weight 2.33 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.

The Cosmic Dance of Creation and Destruction

Behold the divine energy of Lord Shiva as Nataraja, the Lord of Dance, captured in this exquisite wood carving. Crafted from the finest White Cedar wood sourced from the lush region of Trivandrum in Kerala, this piece embodies centuries of artistic tradition and spiritual devotion. The rich, warm tones of the wood lend a natural elegance, while the intricate details showcase the masterful skill of the artisan. The Nataraja form is a profound depiction of Shiva's cosmic dance, the Tandava. This dance is not merely an artistic performance but a representation of the eternal cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction that governs the universe. Within the fiery halo, Shiva performs his dance, a pulsating rhythm that orchestrates the cosmos. His raised left foot symbolizes the release from worldly illusions, while the right foot crushes the demon Apasmara, representing ignorance and ego.

Symbolism of the Nataraja Form

Each element of the Nataraja carving is laden with meaning. The four arms represent the four Vedas and also the directions, signifying Shiva's omnipresence. One hand holds a flame, symbolizing destruction and transformation, the very force that clears the way for new beginnings. Another hand holds an hourglass drum (Damaru), whose rhythmic beat marks the passage of time and the pulse of creation. The raised "Abhaya Mudra" hand offers protection and assurance, dispelling fear. The gnarled serpent coiled around his neck signifies the awakening of Kundalini energy, the primal force within all beings. The serene expression on Shiva's face, amidst the dynamic dance, conveys his detachment and transcendence. The dwarf figure beneath his foot, Apasmara, is often interpreted as Maya, the illusion that binds us to the material world.

Artistry and Craftsmanship

This statue is a testament to the rich heritage of Indian wood carving. The artisan has meticulously carved every detail, from the flowing locks of hair to the intricate patterns on Shiva's attire and the ornate halo. The White Cedar wood from Kerala is known for its durability and fine grain, making it an ideal medium for such detailed work. The smooth finish and natural polish highlight the beauty of the wood, inviting touch and contemplation. This piece is more than just a decorative item; it is a spiritual artifact, a focal point for meditation and a source of inspiration, bringing the divine presence into your home. The detailed depiction of the halo, with its flame-like motifs, evokes the primal fire that consumes and renews, a fundamental aspect of Shiva's cosmic role. The subtle texture and depth achieved in the carving add to its visual appeal and spiritual gravitas.

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.

Add a review

Have A Question

Comment *

Full Name *

Email *

Mobile

By continuing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Bhagawan Shiva as Nataraja Email Whatsapp Facebook Pinterest Twitter Copy link