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Bhagawan Shiva as Nataraja

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Name: Bhagawan Shiva as Nataraja
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZEC14
Price: 155.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$178

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	ZEC14
	Kadamba Wood Statue from Jaipur
	Height: 10 inch
	Width: 8.2 inch
	Depth: 3 inch
	Weight 500 gm

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 Lord Shiva

This exquisite wood carving captures the divine energy and profound symbolism of Lord Shiva as Nataraja, the Lord of the Dance. Crafted from Kadamba wood, a material revered in Indian tradition for its natural beauty and spiritual resonance, this statue originates from Jaipur, a city renowned for its artisan craftsmanship. The intricate details and flowing lines of the carving bring to life one of the most iconic representations of Hindu cosmology. The Nataraja form depicts Shiva performing the Tandava, the cosmic dance that is the source of all creation, preservation, and destruction. He is shown within a flaming halo, symbolizing the cycle of birth and death, and the transformative power of his dance. His raised foot crushes the demon Apasmara Purusha, representing ignorance and ego, signifying Shiva's triumph over illusion and the obstacles on the path to spiritual enlightenment. The serene yet powerful expression on Shiva's face conveys his mastery over the universe and his role as the ultimate consciousness.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

Each element of the Nataraja sculpture is imbued with deep meaning. The four arms represent different aspects of Shiva's divine power. His upper right hand holds the 'damaru,' a small drum, whose rhythmic beat signifies the creation of the universe. The upper left hand holds 'Agni,' the fire of destruction and transformation. The lower right hand is raised in 'Abhaya Mudra,' a gesture of blessing and protection, assuring devotees of his grace. The lower left hand points towards his raised foot, indicating the path to liberation from the cycle of rebirth. The snakes entwined around Shiva's body symbolize his control over primal forces and his detachment from worldly desires. The crescent moon in his hair represents his mastery over time and his connection to cyclical rhythms. The flowing locks of hair flying outwards during the dance signify the liberation of the soul. This representation is not merely an artistic depiction but a profound philosophical statement on the cyclical nature of existence and the divine power that orchestrates it.

Artistic Excellence and Cultural Heritage

The use of Kadamba wood, sourced and carved with traditional techniques from Jaipur, adds a unique texture and warmth to this piece. The skilled artisans have meticulously rendered every detail, from the delicate ornamentation of Shiva's jewelry to the fierce expression of Apasmara Purusha beneath his foot. The vibrant grain of the wood and the subtle carving bring the dynamism of the dance to life. This statue serves as a beautiful testament to India's rich artistic heritage and its deep spiritual traditions, making it a significant addition to any collection or sacred space. It is a powerful reminder of the cosmic order and the divine energy that permeates the universe.

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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