Hindu Vishnu Avatar Narasingha On Sheshnaag | Orissa Wood
Colors:
10 Inch
10 Inch
12 Inch
12 Inch
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.

Hindu Vishnu Avatar Narasingha On Sheshnaag | Orissa Wood

$398.25
$531
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Color:
10 Inch
10 Inch
12 Inch
12 Inch
Specifications
MIV421
Wood Sculpture
Height: 10.00 inch
Width: 6.00 inch
Weight 675 gm
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 6 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.

Embodied Divine Power: Narasingha and Sheshnaag Wood Sculpture

This exquisite wooden sculpture captures the fierce yet benevolent form of Lord Vishnu as Narasingha, the man-lion avatar, seated upon the cosmic serpent, Sheshnaag. Hailing from the rich artistic traditions of Orissa, renowned for its masterful wood carving, this piece embodies a profound narrative of divine protection and cosmic balance. The natural grain and warm tones of the wood lend an authentic, earthy feel to this sacred representation, making it a captivating centerpiece for any spiritual or decorative space. The artistry is evident in every detail, from the powerful, leonine face of Narasingha, with its sharp features and serene yet intimidating expression, to the meticulously carved coils of Sheshnaag that form the divine throne. Narasingha's four arms are depicted in significant poses, conveying strength and divine action. The intricate details of his crown, the divine ornaments adorning his form, and the stylized rendering of his loincloth speak to the skill of the artisan and the deep reverence for the deity. The sculpture's composition, with Narasingha seated in a meditative yet dynamic posture, evokes a sense of potent energy held in check, a core aspect of this avatar's legend.

A Mythological Masterpiece

The story of Narasingha is one of Vishnu's most dramatic incarnations, arising to protect his devotee Prahlada from his demon father, Hiranyakashipu. The demon king, blessed with near invincibility, had declared himself a god and tormented the virtuous. Prahlada, unwavering in his devotion to Vishnu, was persecuted for his faith. When Hiranyakashipu challenged Prahlada to show him Vishnu, who he claimed was everywhere, Vishnu emerged from a pillar in his man-lion form—neither man nor lion, thus bypassing the demon's boon of being killed by man or beast, day or night, inside or outside. Narasingha then tore Hiranyakashipu apart on his lap at the threshold of his chamber during twilight, establishing ultimate justice. Sheshnaag, the king of the Nagas, symbolizes eternity, the cosmic waters, and the resting place of Vishnu, representing the vastness and unending nature of the universe. His presence here signifies Vishnu's supreme authority and his eternal vigilance. This sculpture is more than just an artistic creation; it is a conduit to ancient tales and spiritual wisdom. The craftsmanship, rooted in the Orissan tradition, ensures that each piece carries the essence of devotion and cultural heritage. The smooth finish and the tactile quality of the wood invite contemplation and a connection to the divine stories it represents, making it a truly significant addition to your collection.

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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