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Dancing Apsara Playing a Violin

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Name: Dancing Apsara Playing a Violin
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZEO076
Price: 285.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$246

$328

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Apsaras are the female spirits of clouds and waters in Hindu culture who were born from the foam created by the churning of Ocean of Milk. This wooden sculpture is inspired by the erotic art of Khajuraho and sculpted in traditional South Indian style carvings. The sculptor has twisted the figure of this celestial nymph into an extraordinary pose enhancing her essence of dance and music. She stands in a dancing posture on a stylized lotus pedestal carved in multiple layers of flower petals. She is seen as playing a violin with her two hands, producing mesmerizing tunes and dancing gracefully to those melodious sounds.

The apsara is garbed in an ethnic styled short dhoti that reaches her thighs forming beautiful floral embellished patterns with its loose ends hung nimbly on either side. The beauty of her jewels complement with her own beauty; beaded necklaces are placed amazingly on her chest along with the long spiraled earrings and the unique crown flaunting her sensuality and grace. The gentle expressions of her face and that sweet smile are sculpted in a naturalistic manner. This finite sculpture is a great ornamentation to decorate your hotel or restaurant areas.

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Specifications

	ZEO076
	South Indian Temple Wood Carving
	Height: 18.2 inch
	Width: 4 inch
	Depth: 9.5 inch
	Weight 1.90 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 40 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.

Celestial Melodies in Wood: A Dancing Apsara Violinist

This exquisite South Indian temple wood carving captures the ethereal beauty and divine grace of an Apsara, a celestial nymph from Hindu mythology, caught in a moment of passionate musical expression. The artist's masterful hand has breathed life into the wood, depicting a figure poised between dance and devotion, her form flowing with an almost liquid elegance. The intricate details speak of a rich cultural heritage, where celestial beings are revered not only for their divine powers but also for their artistry and ability to inspire wonder. The Apsaras, daughters of the heavens, are often depicted in ancient Indian texts and temple art as skilled dancers and musicians, whose performances could sway the hearts of gods and mortals alike. They are said to inhabit the celestial realms, their presence gracing the courts of Indra, the king of the gods. Legends tell of their beauty, their charm, and their profound influence on the spiritual and artistic landscape of the cosmos. This carving embodies that very essence, portraying an Apsara not merely as a decorative figure, but as a conduit of divine melody, her music resonating with the harmony of the universe.

Artistry Rooted in Tradition

The style of this carving is deeply rooted in the traditions of South Indian temple art, a lineage renowned for its intricate detailing and expressive portrayal of divine figures. The wood itself, carefully selected and expertly worked, showcases a warm, inviting patina that enhances the sculpted form. Every curve of the Apsara's body, every fold of her garment, and every delicate strand of her hair is rendered with a remarkable level of skill. The musical instrument she holds – a violin, rendered in a style reminiscent of ancient Indian stringed instruments – is a testament to the fusion of artistic influences and the enduring power of music as a universal language. The elaborate base upon which she stands further highlights the craftsmanship, featuring patterns that echo the architectural motifs found in ancient temples. This piece is more than just a sculpture; it's a fragment of living history, a tangible connection to a vibrant artistic past.

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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