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Dancing Ganesha

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Name: Dancing Ganesha
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: EP02
Price: 1890.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$1772.25

$2363

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	EP02
	South Indian Temple Wood CarvingArtist: R. Chellappan
	Height: 4 ft
	Width: 1.3 ft
	Depth: 0.5 ft
	Weight 18.50 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.

The Graceful Deity: A South Indian Temple Wood Carving

Embark on a journey into the heart of South Indian artistry with this magnificent wood carving, a testament to the enduring legacy of temple art. Crafted with meticulous detail by the skilled hands of R. Chellappan, this piece embodies the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the region. The warm, natural tones of the wood highlight the intricate details, inviting you to explore the artistry and symbolism woven into every curve and contour. More than just a decorative object, this is a piece of living tradition, bringing the sacred ambiance of a South Indian temple into your space. It stands 4.0 feet tall, 1.3 feet wide, and 0.5 feet deep.

The Elephant-Headed God: Symbolism and Significance

At the heart of this carving lies the figure of Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed god revered throughout Hinduism. Ganesha, also known as Ganapati or Vinayaka, is the remover of obstacles, the patron of arts and sciences, and the deva of intellect and wisdom. He is invoked at the beginning of rituals and ceremonies as he is believed to bring good fortune and success. He is also considered the destroyer of vanity, selfishness, and pride. This depiction captures Ganesha in a joyful, dynamic pose, a departure from the more traditional seated or standing representations. This imagery suggests a celebration of life, a dance of creation, and a playful spirit. The detailed ornamentation and fine craftsmanship underscore the importance of Ganesha in Hindu tradition and the respect with which he is regarded.

An Ode to the Dancing God

This artwork isn't just a carving; it's an invocation of divine joy and auspiciousness. The dance of Ganesha, though not as widely depicted as Shiva's cosmic dance, is equally symbolic. It represents the deity's power to overcome obstacles with grace and celebrate the inherent rhythm of the universe. Imagine Ganesha, in this form, blessing your home, filling it with positive energy, and ushering in new beginnings. The carving is rooted in artistic conventions found in South Indian temples, known for their towering gopurams (gateway towers) adorned with countless sculptures depicting deities, mythical creatures, and scenes from Hindu epics. This style is known for its intricate details, fluid lines, and a focus on conveying both the divinity and the human-like qualities of the subjects. The sculpture has a bull on the bottom to signify the transportation of the Lord.

The Artisan's Touch

R. Chellappan, the artist behind this exceptional piece, is a master craftsman deeply rooted in the traditions of South Indian temple carving. His expertise and dedication are evident in the flawless execution and the soulful expression conveyed through the wood. Each detail is carved with precision and passion. Owning this carving is not only possessing a beautiful work of art but also supporting the continuation of a time-honored craft. It stands as a testament to the rich artistic traditions of India, a piece that will be cherished for generations to come.

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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