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Emaciated Buddha

$224.25
$299
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
ZBZ37
Kaima Wood StatueArtist: Vishwakarma Family of Varanasi
Height: 9.2 inch
Width: 5.2 inch
Depth: 3 inch
Weight 540 gm
Delivery and Return Policies
Returns and Exchanges accepted within 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.

The Ascetic Prince: A Testament to Austerity

This exquisite Kaima wood carving captures a pivotal moment in the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the future Buddha, during his intense period of asceticism. Far from the serene, plump depictions often associated with Buddhist iconography, this statue portrays the prince in the throes of extreme self-mortification. Every rib, every bone, every sinew of his emaciated body is meticulously rendered, a stark testament to his rigorous pursuit of enlightenment through renunciation of worldly comforts, including food. The artist, hailing from the esteemed Vishwakarma family of Varanasi, renowned for their mastery of traditional Indian craftsmanship, has infused this piece with profound emotional depth. The serene, yet hollowed gaze of the Buddha, framed by a simple halo, speaks of an inner resolve that transcends physical suffering. His skeletal form, while appearing fragile, projects an immense spiritual strength, illustrating the Buddhist principle that true liberation lies not in the indulgence of the senses, but in their mastery. ––––––––––

A Moment of Reflection

The base of the statue is a narrative panel in itself. It depicts figures in devotional postures, some kneeling in prayer, others standing in reverence, possibly representing disciples or celestial beings witnessing the prince's unwavering commitment. The central element on the base, a pillar adorned with intricate carvings, could symbolize the Dharma, the eternal truth the prince sought to uncover. The presence of these figures underscores the significance of this moment, not just for Siddhartha himself, but for the spiritual lineage he would establish. This depiction resonates with the myth of Mara, the tempter, who tried to dissuade the meditating Buddha, but whose efforts were futile against his profound determination. The Buddha's austerity was a powerful rejection of the material world, a world often represented by desires and distractions that Mara embodied. ––––––––––

Artistry and Legacy

Crafted from rich Kaima wood, the warm, natural tones of the material enhance the spiritual aura of the piece. The Kaima wood itself, known for its durability and fine grain, allows for intricate detailing, bringing to life the textures of the Buddha's skin, his tattered robes, and the symbolic elements on the base. The Vishwakarma family's legacy is evident in the precision and artistry displayed in every aspect of this sculpture, from the delicate rendering of the musculature to the harmonious composition of the entire work. This statue is more than just an object of art; it is a powerful reminder of the path to enlightenment, a symbol of endurance, and a profound representation of spiritual discipline that has inspired seekers for centuries. It invites contemplation on the nature of suffering, detachment, and the ultimate triumph of the spirit over the material.

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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