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Khajuraho Nymph: Vanity And Adornment

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Name: Khajuraho Nymph: Vanity And Adornment
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZEN866
Price: 690.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$647.25

$863

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

A superb young woman of sixteen indulges in a few, prolonged moments of self-adornment. She is standing as if caught in the midst of a vanity dance routine; vanity, because she was so overwhelmed by her own comeliness as soon as she saw herself in the handheld mirror that she broke into a dance. Her hips are jutting out seductively and the right leg is raised mid-calf to the left, both bent at the knee.

The right arm she raises graciously from the back, in order to adjust the dot of vermillion on her temple. A mark of the onset of pubescence, the bindi is indispensable to the shringar of the Indian woman, married and unmarried alike. A Khajuraho-inspired wood carving such as this one captures the Indian feminine beauty standard to perfection: a full figure the very image of fecundity, minimal clothing because the woman’s body has more to do with nourishment than amusement, and ample shringar that equates her to the Devi Herself.

The young maiden dances with abandon at the realisation of her own beauty. A silken sash descends from the girdle of her dhoti, upon which she is slated to trip and fall any second now, bringing her vain reverie to a playful end. An ornate aureole engraved with vines and hints of floral presence surround her, conveying the self-containment of her own world.

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Specifications

	ZEN866
	South Indian Temple Wood Carving
	Height: 36 inch
	Width: 4.6 inch
	Depth: 17.7 inch
	Weight 10.90 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.

An Ode to Grace and Adornment

This exquisite wood carving, a testament to the rich artistic heritage of South India, captures a moment of profound grace and feminine allure. The central figure, rendered with meticulous detail, embodies the spirit of the apsaras – celestial nymphs known in Hindu mythology for their unparalleled beauty, captivating dances, and their role as messengers between the gods and mortals. These divine dancers, often depicted gracing the temples of India, were believed to inspire and enchant, their movements a celebration of life, love, and devotion. The carving evokes the legendary temples of Khajuraho, renowned for their sensuous and intricate sculptures that tell stories of life, spirituality, and the divine feminine. This piece, while not a direct replica, channels that same spirit of artistry, celebrating the beauty and adornment of a celestial dancer in mid-motion. Her posture is fluid and dynamic, suggesting a rhythmic movement that would have mesmerized ancient audiences. Every curve of her body, from the gentle sway of her hips to the elegant lift of her arm, speaks of practiced artistry and effortless elegance.

The Art of Self-Adornment

The figure is adorned with a wealth of jewelry, each piece carved with astonishing precision. Heavy anklets adorn her feet, their intricate patterns suggesting the sound and rhythm of her dance. Bracelets encircle her wrists, and a multi-layered necklace rests elegantly upon her chest, accentuating her divine form. Her hair is elaborately styled, framing a serene yet captivating face. The act depicted – one hand gently touching her forehead, perhaps adjusting an adornment or contemplating her reflection – speaks to the theme of vanity and self-adoration, a universal human experience elevated to a divine level. The presence of a smaller, attendant figure at the base hints at a retinue, further emphasizing her status and the importance of her presentation.

A Legacy in Wood

Crafted from fine South Indian temple wood, this carving carries the soul of its origin. The wood itself, often sourced from ancient trees, is believed to possess a sacred quality, imbued with the stories and blessings of generations. The artisans, through their skilled hands, have breathed life into the grain, transforming a humble material into a masterpiece of devotional art. The deep, rich tones of the wood, coupled with the nuanced carving, create a sense of timeless beauty and profound spirituality. This piece is more than just a decorative object; it is a window into a cultural and spiritual tradition, an invitation to connect with the divine artistry that has adorned sacred spaces for centuries. It is a statement of elegance, a celebration of beauty, and a timeless artifact that will bring an aura of refined artistry to any space.

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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