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Goddess Saraswati

$595.50
$794
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
ZDM03
South Indian Temple Wood Carving
Height: 25.5 inch
Width: 15 inch
Depth: 5.7 inch
Weight 8.40 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.

Embrace Wisdom and Artistry: A Divine Wood Carving of Goddess Saraswati

This exquisite South Indian temple wood carving offers a captivating representation of Goddess Saraswati, the Hindu deity revered as the embodiment of knowledge, music, arts, wisdom, and learning. Crafted with meticulous detail and vibrant coloration, this piece is more than just a decorative item; it is a conduit to ancient traditions and spiritual devotion. The artistry in this carving reflects centuries of skill passed down through generations of South Indian artisans, whose hands have brought divine forms to life through wood. The goddess is depicted in her classic posture, gracefully seated, her serene countenance radiating an aura of profound peace and enlightenment. Her multiple arms, a symbol of her omnipresent and omnipotent nature, are adorned with delicate bangles and are poised with purpose. In her hands, she cradles the Veena, the ancient Indian stringed instrument, the very sound of which is believed to weave the fabric of the universe and inspire creativity. The intricate carving of the Veena itself speaks to the artisan's dedication to capturing every detail of this sacred object. Surrounding the divine figure is a breathtaking tableau of symbolic motifs. The majestic peacocks, with their vibrant plumage, are often associated with Saraswati, representing beauty, grace, and the blossoming of knowledge. Their presence here amplifies the artistic and spiritual essence of the carving. The flowing patterns and embellishments are characteristic of South Indian temple art, designed to evoke a sense of the divine and the celestial. Each curve, each swirl, and each feather has been painstakingly carved to create a masterpiece that arrests the eye and stirs the soul. In Hindu mythology, Saraswati is the consort of Lord Brahma, the creator, and is credited with the invention of the Sanskrit language and the Vedas, the ancient scriptures. She is the patroness of musicians, artists, poets, scholars, and students, blessing them with intellect, eloquence, and inspiration. To bring this carving into your home is to invite her divine presence, fostering an environment of learning, creativity, and spiritual growth. It serves as a constant reminder of the pursuit of knowledge and the beauty that art can bring to life.

A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Devotion

This wood carving is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of South India, a region renowned for its deep-rooted artistic traditions and spiritual practices. The use of traditional techniques, combined with the vibrant, yet harmonious, coloring, creates a piece that is both historically significant and aesthetically pleasing. The wood itself, likely sourced from indigenous trees, has been expertly shaped and polished to reveal its natural beauty, providing a warm and tactile quality to the finished artwork. The sheer scale and detail of this piece suggest it was intended to be a focal point, drawing admiration and contemplation. It is a piece that can be passed down through generations, a timeless treasure that connects the present to the past and to the divine.

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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