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MADE IN INDIA.

Khajuraho Nymph: Remembrances Of An Admirer

$731.25
$975
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A gorgeous maiden dances with her parrot. She is at a post-pubescent age, not quite grown-up but mature enough to be a woman. The sharp curves of her youthful shape are revealed rather than concealed by the tasseled dhoti she is wearing, the only bit of attire on her body. The rest of her is adorned with a multitude of shringar, its colours as vivid as the mood she is in.

It is in the loving remembrances of an admirer that she dances. On one hand is perched the parrot that sings of his bygone presence; by the side of her hip jutting out laterally, is stretched the other hand in graceful poise. With a leg bent at the knee, the other is raised from the lotus pedestal on which she stands, revealing the sturdy, seductive musculature of her legs. Her movements are irresistible; her youth and freshness, undeniable.

There is a kind of soft, soothing comeliness about her face. Her thick black hair is gathered in a luxuriant bun on one shoulder, held in place by brilliant red beads. The sheer variation in colour of her attire and adornment is complemented by the densely packed engravings on the aureole that surrounds her - from the graciously curving vines to the lotus buds and bamboo shoots nestling within, each of them are superimposed with rich pastel tones.

Specifications
ZEN864
South Indian Temple Wood Carving
Height: 35 inch
Width: 4.7 inch
Depth: 17.5 inch
Weight 12.60 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.

Whispers of the Divine Feminine: A Dance of Enchantment

Immerse yourself in the timeless allure of this exquisite South Indian temple wood carving, a testament to the rich artistic heritage of the region. Crafted with meticulous detail and infused with spiritual resonance, this piece captures a moment of captivating grace. The central figure, a nymph-like deity, is depicted in a dynamic dance, her form flowing with an almost ethereal energy. Her posture suggests a captivating narrative, perhaps a celestial dance or a playful interaction with the natural world. The vibrant colors and intricate ornamentation adorning her costume speak of a regal yet approachable divine presence, evoking the spirit of fertility, beauty, and prosperity often associated with such figures in Hindu iconography.

A Symphony of Nature and Divinity

The entire composition is framed by an intricately carved archway, reminiscent of the ornate gateways found in ancient South Indian temples. This architectural element is adorned with lush foliage, swirling vines, and vibrant flora, seamlessly integrating the divine figure with the bounties of nature. The presence of a small bird held delicately in the nymph's hand further enhances this connection, suggesting a harmonious relationship between humanity, divinity, and the animal kingdom. This motif often appears in Indian art, symbolizing messengers of the gods, good omens, or the vibrant life force that pervades the universe. The inclusion of a smaller attendant figure at the base adds depth and narrative possibility, hinting at the multifaceted nature of devotional practices and the support systems that surround even the most exalted beings.

Echoes of Khajuraho's Grandeur

This carving evokes the legendary sculptures of Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its breathtaking temple architecture and erotic carvings. While this piece focuses on a more serene and graceful representation, it shares the same spirit of celebrating the human form and its connection to the divine, intertwined with the celebration of life's abundance. The delicate ornamentation and the sensual yet restrained depiction of the nymph are reminiscent of the exquisite artistry found in those ancient temples, which were not just places of worship but also vibrant centers of culture and artistic expression. It is believed that the artisans of Khajuraho sought to capture the essence of life in all its forms, and this carving continues that tradition, offering a glimpse into a world where the sacred and the earthly are beautifully intertwined.

An Heirloom of Artistic Mastery

This piece is more than just a decorative item; it is a portal to a rich cultural past and a symbol of enduring artistic talent. Each curve, each sculpted detail, tells a story of devotion, skill, and a profound understanding of the spiritual realm. The use of traditional wood carving techniques, passed down through generations, ensures a level of authenticity and craftsmanship that is increasingly rare. The rich patina and the carefully applied colors enhance the dimensionality of the carving, bringing the figures to life and inviting contemplation. Owning this piece is like possessing a fragment of history, a tangible connection to the spiritual and artistic soul of South India, destined to become a cherished heirloom for years to come.

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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