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Four Armed Ganesha Seated on Rat

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Name: Four Armed Ganesha Seated on Rat
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: XN66
Price: 2250.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$2363

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Specifications

	XN66
	South Indian Temple Wood Carving
	Height: 48 inch
	Width: 30.2 inch
	Depth: 7.3 inch
	Weight 35.90 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 40 days
	Returns and Exchanges accepted with 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.

Divine Origins: Ganesha, the Remover of Obstacles

Ganesha, also known as Ganapati and Vinayaka, is one of the best-known and most worshipped deities in the Hindu pantheon. His image is found throughout India and Nepal, and Hindu sects worship him regardless of affiliations. Devotion to Ganesha is widely diffused and extends to Jains and Buddhists. As the God of Beginnings, he is honored at the start of rites and ceremonies. Ganesha is also invoked as Patron of Letters and Learning during writing sessions. Several texts relate anecdotes associated with his birth and exploits and explain his distinct iconography. His elephant head is perhaps his most defining attribute, instantly recognizable and deeply symbolic. Legend has it that his original human head was severed, and Shiva, his father, replaced it with that of the first animal he encountered – an elephant. This transformation is not a mere accident, but a powerful representation of wisdom, intellect, and the ability to overcome obstacles. The large ears symbolize attentive listening and a capacity to absorb knowledge. His trunk represents adaptability and efficiency, able to uproot trees or pick up a needle. His large belly signifies the ability to digest all of life’s experiences, both good and bad. The single tusk he possesses is said to have been broken in service of writing the Mahabharata, showing his dedication to knowledge.

A Temple Carving with Rich Detail

This magnificent wooden carving is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of South Indian temple traditions. The sculpture portrays Ganesha with four arms, each hand holding symbolic objects that represent his power and blessings. These could include a goad (to prod humanity forward on the correct path), a noose (to capture difficulties), a sweet delicacy (representing the rewards of spiritual seeking), and his broken tusk. The intricacies of the carving bring the deity to life, allowing devotees and art enthusiasts alike to connect with his divine presence. The detailing of the carving goes beyond mere representation; it captures the essence of Ganesha's divine aura. Notice the gentle curve of his trunk, the serene expression on his face, and the adornments that emphasize his divine status. The flowing lines and intricate patterns create a sense of movement, giving the impression that Ganesha is about to bestow his blessings upon those who seek his grace.

The Significance of the Mouse: Ganesha's Vehicle

Beneath Ganesha, a faithful companion and symbolic vehicle, the rat (or mouse), sits patiently. The rat, called Mushika, is far more than a simple mount; it is a complex and multifaceted representation within Hindu mythology. Mushika is often interpreted as representing desires, which, if left unchecked, can gnaw away at one's spiritual progress. Ganesha's control over Mushika symbolizes his mastery over these desires, highlighting his role as a guide on the path to self-realization. Another interpretation associates the rat with sharpness and ability to overcome any obstacle.

A Legacy of Art and Faith

This piece is more than a decorative item; it is a cultural artifact that embodies centuries of tradition and devotion. Carved with precision and care, this is meant to bring blessings of prosperity, wisdom, and obstacle-removal into your home. The rich details and the symbolic significance of the deity make it a focal point of admiration and contemplation. Owning this piece is an opportunity to connect with the rich heritage of South Indian temple art and to invoke the benevolent presence of Ganesha in your life.

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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