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Five Different Ganeshas

$1134.75
$1513
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
RQ38
South Indian Temple Wood Carving
Height: 14 inch
Width: 59 inch
Depth: 2 inch
Weight 13.28 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 40 days
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.

Auspicious Beginnings: A Glimpse into Ganesha's Forms

This striking South Indian temple wood carving presents the beloved Hindu deity, Ganesha, in a captivating quintet of forms. Each depiction, rendered with intricate detail, captures a unique aspect of Ganesha's multifaceted nature, offering a rich tapestry of symbolism and divine grace. This is more than mere art; it is a devotional piece, meant to inspire contemplation and invite the blessings of the remover of obstacles. The hand-carved wood, imbued with the skill and devotion of the artisan, serves as a portal to the divine, a reminder of the auspicious presence of Ganesha in our lives. Each Ganesha is positioned within a uniquely detailed space, separated by intricately carved pillars suggesting the sanctified structure of a temple. The architecture is not simply ornamentation, but an invitation to the beholder to reflect upon how each Ganesha is an important pillar in the temple of our own lives.

The Elephant-Headed God: Stories and Symbolism

Ganesha, easily recognizable by his elephant head, potbelly, and often depicted with multiple arms, holds a prominent position in the Hindu pantheon. He is revered as the god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. More importantly, he is known as the Vighnaharta, the remover of obstacles, ensuring success in endeavors and smoothing the path to enlightenment. His image is traditionally invoked at the beginning of any undertaking, from starting a new business to writing a book or even embarking on a journey. The tale of Ganesha's origin is filled with intriguing details. According to one popular legend, Parvati, the consort of Shiva, created Ganesha from sandalwood paste to guard her privacy while she bathed. When Shiva returned and was prevented from entering, a fierce battle ensued, resulting in Ganesha's decapitation. Parvati was inconsolable, and Shiva, in order to appease her, promised to replace Ganesha's head with that of the first living being he encountered facing north. This turned out to be an elephant, thus bestowing Ganesha with his iconic form. The elephant head, while seemingly unusual, is laden with symbolism. The large ears signify attentiveness and the ability to listen to the pleas of devotees. The trunk represents adaptability and the power to overcome obstacles, able to both uproot a tree and pick up a needle. His single tusk symbolizes the power of sacrifice and the overcoming of duality. The sweet he holds in his trunk is a reminder of the sweetness of life. The representation of Ganesha atop his trusted mount, the rat (Mushika), is also significant. Mushika symbolizes desire and ego. Ganesha’s control over the rat symbolizes the conquest over base desires and ego, a state necessary for spiritual progress.

A Timeless Treasure: South Indian Craftsmanship

Originating from the rich artistic traditions of South India, this wood carving embodies the precision and dedication characteristic of temple art. The meticulous detail in the carving, the vibrant colors used to accentuate the forms, and the overall composition speak to the mastery of the artisans who created it. This is an heirloom-quality piece, meant to be cherished for generations, adding a touch of sacred beauty to any space. This art form carries the legacy of the Chola and Vijayanagara empires, periods known for their magnificent temple architecture and sculpture, ensuring that the techniques and aesthetic sensibilities of the past continue to inspire. This carving is a testament to the enduring power of faith and artistry.

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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