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Goddess Lakshmi

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Name: Goddess Lakshmi
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZAR79
Price: 685.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$856

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	ZAR79
	South Indian Temple Wood Carving
	Height: 24 inch
	Width: 11.7 inch
	Depth: 4 inch
	Weight 5.30 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.

Embodiment of Prosperity and Auspiciousness

This exquisite South Indian temple wood carving captures the divine grace and benevolent presence of Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu deity of wealth, fortune, power, beauty, and prosperity. Each intricate detail of this masterpiece is a testament to the skill and artistry of traditional South Indian craftsmen, who have poured their devotion into bringing this sacred form to life. Carved from rich, dark wood, the sculpture exudes a timeless aura, inviting spiritual contemplation and a sense of abundance into any space it graces. The goddess is depicted seated serenely on a blooming lotus, a symbol of purity, spiritual awakening, and prosperity that flourishes even in muddy waters. Her posture is one of serene majesty, with her legs elegantly crossed in a meditative pose. Her hands are adorned with auspicious gestures and objects. One hand is raised in the Abhaya Mudra, a gesture of fearlessness and protection, assuring devotees of her safeguarding presence. The other hand is often depicted holding a lotus or granting blessings, signifying the bestowal of boons and good fortune. The delicate carving of her ornaments, from the intricate crown to the bangles and necklaces, speaks of opulence and divine beauty. The serene expression on her face, with half-closed eyes, suggests inner peace and profound wisdom.

A Legacy of Devotion and Tradition

The style of this carving is deeply rooted in the rich tradition of South Indian temple art, particularly from regions renowned for their intricate wood carving. These artisans have passed down their skills through generations, preserving ancient techniques and aesthetic sensibilities. The elaborate backdrop behind the goddess, often featuring stylized floral motifs and sometimes mythical creatures, further enhances the grandeur of the sculpture and its connection to sacred narratives. The use of traditional wood carving methods ensures that each piece is unique, imbued with the spirit of the craftsman and the sacredness of the deity it represents. This art form is not merely decorative; it is a devotional practice, a way to connect with the divine and to invite blessings into the lives of those who revere it. In Hindu mythology, Goddess Lakshmi is revered as the consort of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. Her presence is considered essential for prosperity and well-being, and she is invoked during auspicious occasions and festivals, particularly Diwali, the festival of lights, which is dedicated to her worship. Legends tell of her emergence from the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan), bringing forth beauty and wealth for the gods and humanity. Her association with the lotus, and sometimes elephants spraying water, further emphasizes her connection to purity, fertility, and abundance. This carving serves as a conduit to invoke her blessings, fostering an environment of prosperity, peace, and spiritual growth.

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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