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Emaciated Buddha

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Name: Emaciated Buddha
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZBG19
Price: 730.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$913

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	ZBG19
	Gambhar Wood Statue from Bodh Gaya
	Height: 24.5 inch
	Width: 13.5 inch
	Depth: 5 inch
	Weight 4.10 kg

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 Austere Path to Enlightenment

This exquisite wooden statue captures a pivotal moment in the spiritual journey of Prince Siddhartha, who would become the Buddha. Carved from sacred Gambhar wood, sourced from the hallowed grounds of Bodh Gaya, this artwork embodies the profound asceticism the future enlightened one undertook. Unlike depictions of the serene Buddha in meditation, this piece focuses on the period of intense self-mortification, where Siddhartha pushed his body to its limits in pursuit of ultimate truth. The emaciated form, rendered with remarkable detail, showcases every rib, every bone, and the stretched, taut skin, speaking volumes of his unwavering discipline and relentless quest.

A Story of Dedication and Discovery

The narrative depicted here is deeply rooted in Buddhist lore. After leaving his luxurious palace life, Siddhartha embarked on a path of extreme asceticism, believing that detachment from worldly pleasures, including the body's needs, was the key to enlightenment. He subsisted on minimal sustenance, often just a few drops of water or a single grain of rice a day, for years. This period, while physically grueling, was a crucial step in his journey. It was through this extreme practice that he learned that such self-deprivation was not the path to liberation. This realization led him to the Middle Way, a balanced approach between indulgence and asceticism, which ultimately guided him to enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. This statue, therefore, represents not just the suffering of extreme fasting, but the wisdom gained from that experience.

Artistry Rooted in Sacred Tradition

The detailed carving of the halo surrounding the Buddha's head, with its intricate circular patterns, signifies his divine aura and the infinite nature of the cosmos. The serene yet intensely focused expression on his face conveys his inner strength and determination, even in the face of extreme physical hardship. The base of the statue further enriches its narrative. Carved with scenes of disciples observing, some with offerings and expressions of awe or concern, it illustrates the impact Siddhartha's radical spiritual path had on those around him. The presence of a small flame or lamp on the base may symbolize the flame of knowledge or the passing of wisdom. This piece is more than just a statue; it's a tangible representation of spiritual perseverance and the transformative power of profound self-reflection, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Buddha's teachings.

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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