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Heavenly Apsaras Musical Panel

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Name: Heavenly Apsaras Musical Panel
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZCO28
Price: 575.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$539.25

$719

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

We all know that music holds the soul of the mankind. It is such a form of art that it immediately catches the love and attention of the listener. This amazingly carved wooden panel displays the same musical happiness, as the five heavenly apsaras play different instruments on the same rhythm.

These apsaras are dressed in charming attires of ankle length dhoti, fitted blouse and stylishly flowing stoles with heavy hairs tied in high ponytails; they stand in Bharatnatyam posture with the ghunghroos that ring to the beats of their leg movements. Veena, trumpet, dhapli, dholak and manjeera are some of the popular instruments that light the Indian culture with the soulful music that emerges out from them.

Framed in anciently carved perfect borders and the ethnic self textured background, this apsara panel highlights the variety, beauty, purity and charmness of the culture of India as music and dance hold the hearts of the people of India. This sculpture encapsulates India’s heavenly folk tradition in a beauteous rectangular frame.

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Specifications

	ZCO28
	South Indian Temple Wood Carving
	Height: 12.5 inch
	Width: 35.5 inch
	Depth: 2.5 inch
	Weight 6.10 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 40 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.

A Celestial Symphony in Wood

Immerse yourself in the divine artistry of this exquisite South Indian temple wood carving, a testament to centuries of skilled craftsmanship. This captivating panel portrays a vibrant ensemble of Apsaras, celestial nymphs renowned in Hindu mythology for their ethereal beauty, grace, and their enchanting musical performances. Each figure is meticulously carved from rich, warm-toned wood, bringing to life a moment of divine revelry.

The Dancers of the Heavens

The Apsaras are not merely decorative figures; they hold a significant place in ancient Indian lore. Often depicted in the courts of Indra, the king of the gods, they are believed to inspire and entertain the divine beings with their songs, dances, and music. Legends speak of their roles in various epic narratives, such as their attempt to distract ascetics during their austerities, thus protecting the cosmic order. This carving captures their essence as embodiments of joy, beauty, and artistic expression, believed to bring auspiciousness and harmony to any space they adorn. The intricate details in their attire, the flowing hairstyles, and the expressive postures speak of the deep reverence and devotion imbued by the artisan.

A Harmonious Ensemble

The panel features five distinct Apsaras, each engaged in playing a different musical instrument, creating a visual symphony. One gracefully strums a Veena, a stringed instrument often associated with the goddess Saraswati, the patron of arts and music. Another blows into a flute, its notes believed to carry melodies that enchant the heavens. Further along, one Apsara strikes a drum, its rhythmic beat likely setting the tempo for the celestial dance, while another holds what appears to be a cymbal or a similar percussion instrument, ready to add its chime. The final Apsara stands in a poised posture, perhaps about to join the performance or to lead the dance. Together, they create a scene of dynamic movement and joyous celebration, frozen in time by the artisan's hand. The surrounding decorative border, carved with intricate patterns, further enhances the opulence and sacred aura of the piece, reminiscent of the detailed architectural elements found in ancient South Indian temples. This artwork is more than just a decorative item; it is a piece of history, a fragment of mythology, and a conduit for divine inspiration.

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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