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$1068.75

$1425

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Specifications

	EH73
	South Indian Temple Wood CarvingArtist: R. Chellappan
	Height: 3 ft
	Width: 1 ft
	Depth: 0.5 ft
	Weight 11.20 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 Glimpse into South Indian Temple Art

This exquisite wood carving captures a timeless scene, frozen in the warm tones of meticulously crafted temple wood. Imagine yourself transported to the vibrant heart of South India, surrounded by the intricate artistry that graces ancient temples. This is the feeling this sculpture evokes, a piece imbued with the spirit of devotion and the meticulous skill passed down through generations of artisans. Notice the smooth, polished surface that invites touch and the subtle variations in the wood grain, each telling a story of the tree's life and the carver's dedication. The warm, natural wood brings an element of grounding serenity to any space.

Depiction of Beauty and Grace

The sculpture showcases an idealized feminine form, echoing the rich artistic traditions of the region. The subject, depicted in a graceful pose, is engaged in the intimate act of braiding her hair. This simple yet elegant gesture speaks to a moment of quiet contemplation, a pause amidst the bustle of daily life. The figure is adorned with carefully detailed jewelry and clothing, a testament to the importance of ornamentation in South Indian culture. Look closely to appreciate the subtle curves and lines that define her form, and the attention to detail in every fold of fabric and strand of hair. The pose is both dynamic and serene, conveying a sense of inner peace and poised self-awareness.

The Hand of the Artist

Created by the talented artist R. Chellappan, this piece is more than just a decorative object; it is a reflection of his artistic vision and mastery of traditional carving techniques. Chellappan brings a contemporary sensibility to this ancient art form, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity. This is a unique example of a craft that can still be found today.

Placement and Display

At 3.0 x 1.0 x 0.5 feet, this statue makes a striking statement without overwhelming a space. It would be perfectly suited as a focal point in a living room, meditation space, or study. It could equally well reside in a smaller niche, shelf or bookshelf. The natural wood tones blend harmoniously with a variety of décor styles, from modern minimalist to eclectic bohemian. Consider placing it near a light source to highlight the intricate details and create a warm, inviting glow.

Invocation of Myth and Meaning

In South Indian art and culture, the feminine form is often associated with shakti, the divine feminine energy that permeates the universe. Deities like Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, and Parvati, the consort of Shiva, embody qualities of beauty, grace, and power. While this sculpture does not depict a specific deity, it evokes the spirit of these powerful figures, reminding us of the strength and beauty that reside within all women. This piece serves as a reminder of the divine feminine and its importance in maintaining balance and harmony in the world.

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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