Lady in Waiting - South Indian Temple Wood Carving

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Lady in Waiting - South Indian Temple Wood Carving

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Name: Lady in Waiting - South Indian Temple Wood Carving
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: EH98
Price: 1350.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$1266

$1688

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Standing elegantly with her lithesome body balanced on a sturdy pillar, this wooden statue of a Lady in Waiting is a visual cue to the Vasaksajja Nayika (the dressed-up heroine), one of the Ashta or Eight Heroines of Natya Shastra.

Vaskasajja is a youthful maiden, who puts on exquisite attire and ornaments and waits by the bed for the arrival of her beloved. Exuding an alluring appeal with her attractive physique and stunning posture, this wooden statue celebrates the female heart in love.

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Specifications

	EH98
	South Indian Temple Wood CarvingArtist: R. Chellappan
	Height: 2.8 ft
	Width: 1.3 ft
	Depth: 0.6 ft
	Weight 11.50 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.

Delve into the heart of South Indian artistry with this temple wood carving, meticulously crafted by the skilled hands of R. Chellappan. This piece is more than a mere statue; it's a portal to a rich cultural tapestry woven with mythology, devotion, and artistic expression.

A Glimpse into South Indian Temple Art

South Indian temple art is renowned for its intricate details, fluid forms, and deep spiritual significance. These carvings, often adorning the walls and pillars of ancient temples, are not just decorative elements but visual narratives that bring to life the stories of the gods, goddesses, and celestial beings that populate the Hindu pantheon. They are an integral part of the temple experience, meant to inspire awe and reverence in devotees. The artisans who create these works are often deeply spiritual individuals, imbued with knowledge of sacred texts and committed to the highest standards of craftsmanship. This particular carving captures the essence of femininity and grace. The figure embodies a sense of anticipation and quiet strength, reminiscent of the devadasis, temple dancers who were devoted to the service of the deity.

Echoes of the Devadasi Tradition

The devadasi tradition, while complex and sometimes controversial, represents a unique aspect of South Indian culture. These women, often dedicated to the temple from a young age, were trained in dance, music, and poetry, and their performances were considered an offering to the gods. Their art was a form of worship, a way to connect with the divine through beauty and grace. While the devadasi tradition has undergone significant changes in modern times, its legacy continues to inspire artists and cultural enthusiasts alike. This wooden sculpture evokes the aesthetic principles central to classical Indian art, emphasizing sinuous lines, graceful posture, and meticulous attention to detail. The artist’s skilled handling of the wood brings out the texture and grain, lending the piece a sense of warmth and life. Measuring 2.8 x 1.3 x 0.6 feet, this sculpture makes a distinctive and elegant addition 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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