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Gloried Karttikeya with Peacock

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When earth, water, air, fire and ether (elements governed by Lord Shiva) united with pure consciousness (Shakti), Lord Kartikeya was born. He is represented as an ever youthful man who rides a peacock and is dressed with iconic weapons in his hands. This superfine sculpture of Murugan is carved in an alluring manner with the lord standing erect on a three layered pedestal carved in a pattern of flower petals and a circular floral design in the centre. The large distinctive prabha mandala is molded beautifully in an outer layer of lotus petals along with sober designs in the inner layers, topped with a Kirtimukha face with fangs protruding out in style.

Garbed in an ankle length yellow-orange dhoti designed in curved horizontal creases with a long kamarband that hangs in beauty. Kartikeya was a handsome warrior and a celibate yogi who defeated the demon Tarakasura by his combatant weapon, spear. He is embellished gracefully in multiple necklaces, spiral earrings, beaded bracelets and armlets and a South Indian styled multiple layered long crown attached with a striated large cosmic aureole at the back.

The charming peacock that perches behind Kartikeya’s legs on the pedestal is his sacred vahana designed in beautiful patterns. The sculptor has chosen for a glowy mustard hued body and contrasted with other bright colors of the palette highlighting his flamboyance.

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Specifications
ZAQ60
South Indian Temple Wood Carving
Height: 23 inch
Width: 12.5 inch
Depth: 4 inch
Weight 5 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Ships in 1-3 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.

The Divine Commander and His Majestic Mount

This exquisite South Indian temple wood carving depicts Lord Kartikeya, the Hindu god of war and the commander of the celestial armies, in all his resplendent glory. His form, rendered with meticulous detail and vibrant colors, radiates an aura of power and divine grace. Lord Kartikeya, also known as Skanda, Murugan, or Subrahmanya, is a revered deity in Hinduism, celebrated for his valor, his role in vanquishing evil, and his association with youth, courage, and wisdom. He is often depicted with multiple arms, each signifying his various divine attributes and powers. In this striking representation, his hands are poised in gestures of blessing and authority, holding aloft a symbolic spear, the 'Vel,' which represents spiritual knowledge and the eradication of ignorance. The intricate carving of his ornaments, the subtle folds of his dhoti, and the expressive features of his face all speak to the skill of the artisan and the deep spiritual tradition from which this artwork originates.

The Peacock: A Symbol of Majesty and Victory

Standing proudly beside Lord Kartikeya is his divine mount, the majestic peacock. In Hindu mythology, the peacock is more than just a beautiful bird; it is intrinsically linked to Lord Kartikeya and symbolizes his triumph over darkness. Legend tells us that the peacock was bestowed upon Kartikeya by the gods as a reward for his heroic deeds. It represents royalty, immortality, and the ability to overcome obstacles. The vibrant plumage of the peacock, often associated with the eyes that represent a thousand celestial beings, also signifies omniscience and protection. The presence of the peacock here is not merely decorative but a potent symbol of Kartikeya's power and his ability to conquer the formidable demon Surapadma, whose ego was as vast as the peacock's magnificent tail. The detailed rendering of the peacock, with its intricate feather patterns and watchful gaze, adds a layer of dynamism and symbolic depth to the entire composition.

A Legacy of South Indian Craftsmanship

This piece is a testament to the rich heritage of South Indian wood carving, a tradition that has been passed down through generations. These carvings are often found adorning the interiors of ancient temples, where they serve as focal points for devotion and as visual narratives of epic tales. The style is characterized by its bold lines, expressive figures, and a harmonious interplay of colors that bring the wood to life. The carving's substantial presence and the detailed artwork evoke the sacred atmosphere of traditional South Indian temples, allowing you to bring a piece of that spiritual artistry into your own home. It is a piece that resonates with cultural significance and a profound artistic legacy.

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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