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Lakshmi, Ganesha and Saraswati

$618.75
$825
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
RQ45
South Indian Temple Wood Carving
Height: 12 inch
Width: 63 inch
Depth: 2 inch
Weight 7 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.

Auspicious Trinity: A Carving of Divine Harmony

This exquisite South Indian temple wood carving brings together three of the most revered deities in the Hindu pantheon: Lakshmi, Ganesha, and Saraswati. This piece is a testament to the rich artistic traditions of South India, particularly its temple art which is characterized by intricate detail, vibrant colors (where applicable), and a deep reverence for the divine. Such panels were and are commonly seen adorning temple walls and chariots. The deities are portrayed in traditional iconographic forms, each easily identifiable by their attributes and posture. Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, prosperity, and fortune, is often depicted seated on a lotus flower, symbolizing purity and spiritual awakening. She is a embodiment of beauty and grace. Ganesha, the elephant-headed God of wisdom, knowledge, and new beginnings, is also seated on a lotus. He is known as the remover of obstacles, and his blessings are invoked before undertaking any new venture. Finally, Saraswati, the Goddess of learning, music, arts, and wisdom, is commonly depicted holding a veena (a stringed instrument) and seated on a lotus. She represents the power of knowledge and the beauty of the arts. The positioning of these three deities together is highly significant. It symbolizes the harmonious interplay of wealth (Lakshmi), wisdom (Ganesha), and knowledge (Saraswati). These three elements are considered essential for a complete and fulfilling life. In Hindu homes, it is believed that worshipping these three deities together brings blessings of prosperity, intelligence, and success in all endeavors.
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Craftsmanship and Legacy

The carving itself is a remarkable feat of artistry. The dimensions allow for a detailed portrayal of each deity, capturing their individual characteristics with precision. The South Indian temple art style is evident in the elaborate details of the deities' ornaments, clothing, and the lotus flowers they sit upon. Every line, curve, and contour is carefully executed, demonstrating the skill and dedication of the artisan. Wood carvings like these are not merely decorative objects; they are sacred representations of the divine. In South India, temple art is a living tradition, passed down through generations of artisans. These craftsmen are deeply devoted to their work and consider it a form of worship. The creation of such carvings is a meticulous process, often involving elaborate rituals and prayers. The wood is carefully selected, and the carving is done with utmost care and precision. The result is a work of art that embodies both beauty and spirituality. This carving would make a stunning addition to any home or temple. It can be placed on a wall, altar, or any other sacred space. It serves as a reminder of the importance of wealth, wisdom, and knowledge in our lives and as an inspiration to pursue these virtues. It is also a beautiful example of South Indian temple art and a testament to the rich cultural heritage of India.

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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