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Blue Hued Shiva in Tandava

$584.50
$835
30% off
Only 1 available

Lord Shiva forms the part of the cosmic trinity and holds the position of being the destroyer of the impurities and evils prevailing in the universe. Lord Shiva is the darkness, which is always there. Light is a limited happening as it will eventually lose its ability, but darkness is eternal, it is everywhere, just like Lord Shiva. This wooden sculpture depicts the supreme being as the cosmic dancer, in the great Nataraja form. Lord dances on this floral plinth amidst the lush green forest, as represented by the long backdrop, carved in thick green vines coiled beautifully and bunches of fruits, along with two tiny peacocks perched on the top.

The unique aspect of this wooden sculpture is that Lord Shiva is carved in blue, symbolic of his extreme power when he drank the deadly poison Halahala, which made his neck turn blue, hence is also known by the name Neelkantha. This Tandava posture of Shiva is a major depiction in many Hindu temples of Shaivism. The sculptor has realistically carved the bent stance of his body with the hands and legs postured in their iconic form and the matted hair swinging out from either side.

The sculptor while carving out this Shiva wooden sculpture has played a beautiful contrast with the color palette. Having the garbs in a blended shade of red, orange, and yellow that matches with the background of trees and branches. Shiva’s jewels have an add-on hue of green to comply with the beauty of the flora of the jungle. Lord’s long crown depicts the beauteous long carvings of South Indian temples, adorned here with a half-moon towards the side. This tandava sculpture of Shiva is good ornamentation for Hindu temples or to accentuate the beauty of hotel receptions.

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Specifications
ZEO972
WOOD STATUE
Height: 36 inch
Width: 3.5 inch
Depth: 14.2 inch
Weight 8.96 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Ships in 1-3 days
Returns and Exchanges accepted with 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.
Every detail of this piece speaks of devotion and skill, a testament to the artisan's dedication to their craft. Carved from wood, this rendition captures the dynamic energy and profound symbolism of Shiva's cosmic dance. Its generous size ensures it commands attention and imbues any space with a sense of ancient power.

The Significance of the Tandava

The Tandava is more than just a dance; it is a visual representation of the cyclical nature of the universe. Shiva, as Nataraja (Lord of the Dance), embodies the divine energy responsible for creation, preservation, and destruction. His dance represents the ceaseless rhythm of existence, the continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that governs all of creation. It's a powerful metaphor for the ever-changing and dynamic nature of reality itself. Each element of the Tandava holds specific meaning. Shiva's raised leg signifies release from illusion, while the drum he holds in one hand (the damaru) represents the sound of creation. The fire in his other hand symbolizes destruction, but also purification. The surrounding ring of fire symbolizes the boundaries of the universe. Depicting Shiva with blue skin is a common and significant artistic choice in Hindu iconography. It is often associated with the infinite and the all-encompassing, reflecting Shiva's supreme and limitless nature.

Craftsmanship and Artistry

This magnificent panel showcases the exceptional skill of the woodcarver. The intricate details, from the swirling patterns of Shiva's garments to the delicate foliage in the surrounding tree, are a testament to the artisan's mastery. Notice the vibrant colors that adorn the sculpture, breathing life into the scene. The rich blues of Shiva's skin contrast beautifully with the warm oranges and reds of his clothing and the verdant greens of the surrounding tree. These colors are not merely decorative; they are imbued with symbolic meaning, further enhancing the spiritual significance of the piece. The panel includes a small figure of a musician playing a drum. This figure adds depth and narrative to the artwork, underscoring the performative aspect of the Tandava. Imagine this majestic piece adorning your home, a focal point that invites contemplation and inspires a sense of peace and reverence. Let it be a constant reminder of the cosmic dance that unfolds within and around us, a symbol of the eternal rhythm of life. This wood carving isn't just an object of art; it is a gateway to a deeper understanding of the universe and our place within it.

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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