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Buddha with Sujata

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Name: Buddha with Sujata
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: EP47
Price: 480.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$450

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Specifications

	EP47
	Gambhar Wood SculptureArtist: Shri. Ram Chandra Gaur
	Height: 9 inch
	Width: 10 inch
	Depth: 4.3 inch
	Weight 1.50 kg

Delivery and Return Policies


	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 Ascetic's Struggle and Divine Grace

This exquisite wooden sculpture captures a pivotal moment in the spiritual journey of Siddhartha Gautama, the future Buddha. Carved from rich Gambhar wood, the artistry of Shri. Ram Chandra Gaur brings to life the profound narrative of his intense ascetic practices and the compassionate offering that reignited his path to enlightenment. The sculpture depicts Siddhartha in a state of severe emaciation, a testament to his rigorous self-denial in pursuit of ultimate truth. His skeletal form, rendered with remarkable detail, conveys the immense physical and mental fortitude required during this period of extreme austerity. He sits in a meditative posture beneath the sheltering branches of a majestic tree, its leaves intricately carved to suggest lushness and life, a stark contrast to the Buddha's ascetic state.

The Offering of Sujata

To the right of the emaciated Siddhartha, a young woman kneels in devotion. This figure represents Sujata, a village maiden who, upon witnessing the prince's extreme penance, was moved to offer him a bowl of kheer (rice pudding). Legend has it that Sujata had vowed to offer a sacrifice if she were blessed with a child. When her wish was granted, she prepared a sacred meal to fulfill her vow. Seeing the gaunt figure of Siddhartha, she mistook him for a divine being and offered him her precious offering. This act of pure compassion and faith marked a turning point, as Siddhartha, after consuming the nourishing kheer, realized the futility of extreme asceticism and the importance of a balanced path, known as the Middle Way.

Symbolism of the Banyan Tree

The banyan tree under which Siddhartha meditates holds deep symbolic significance. In Indian culture and Buddhist traditions, the banyan tree, with its sprawling branches and aerial roots, often symbolizes longevity, immortality, and the cyclical nature of life. It is also associated with spiritual awakening and meditation. The Bodhi Tree, under which Siddhartha attained enlightenment, is traditionally identified as a fig species, often a pipal tree, which shares similar characteristics with the banyan in its expansive growth and spiritual resonance. This masterful carving evokes the sacred atmosphere of such a place, imbuing the scene with spiritual gravitas and historical context.

Craftsmanship and Spiritual Resonance

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this Gambhar wood sculpture is a masterpiece of traditional Indian wood carving. The artist's skill is evident in the delicate rendering of textures, from the Buddha's worn robes and emaciated physique to the intricate patterns of the tree's leaves and aerial roots, and the serene posture of Sujata. The natural grain of the wood adds a warm, earthy quality to the piece, enhancing its spiritual aura. This sculpture is more than just a decorative object; it is a tangible representation of a profound spiritual lesson – that true enlightenment is found not in extreme self-denial, but in balance, compassion, and the understanding of the Middle Way. It serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of faith, the importance of sustenance, and the grace that can be found in simple acts of kindness.

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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