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.

Lakshmi Vishnu

Email

Whatsapp

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Copy link

Name: Lakshmi Vishnu
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: XR02
Price: 840.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$787.50

$1050

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Notify me when this item is available

Specifications

	XR02
	South Indian Temple Wood Carving
	Height: 24 inch
	Width: 11.5 inch
	Depth: 4.5 inch
	Weight 11.35 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.

Divine Harmony

This exquisite wood carving brings to life the divine couple, the preserver Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi, goddess of wealth and prosperity. It’s a representation of not just a marital bond, but also of the inseparable and complementary forces that sustain the universe. Vishnu, the embodiment of dharma and cosmic order, is often depicted upholding the balance of the world, while Lakshmi bestows abundance and good fortune upon those who seek her blessings. Together, they symbolize the perfect union of power and grace, stability and dynamism. The intricate details of this carving suggest its origin lies within the skilled traditions of South Indian temple craftsmanship. These artisans, generation after generation, have honed their skills, rendering the divine forms with a blend of devotion and artistry. Temple carvings in South India are not merely decorative elements; they are integral to the sacred space, narrating stories from the Puranas and creating an atmosphere of spiritual resonance.

Auspicious Symbolism

In Hindu mythology, Vishnu incarnates in various forms (avatars) to restore cosmic balance whenever dharma declines. Each avatar, from the fish Matsya who saved mankind from a great flood, to the warrior Rama who vanquished the demon Ravana, displays Vishnu's commitment to righteousness. Lakshmi, always by his side in these incarnations, embodies the supportive and nurturing force that allows Vishnu to fulfill his divine purpose. This interplay of roles is central to understanding their significance. Lakshmi is often depicted with four arms, representing the four goals of human life: Dharma (righteous conduct), Artha (wealth), Kama (desire), and Moksha (liberation). Her association with the lotus flower, a symbol of purity and spiritual awakening, further emphasizes her role as a bestower of both material and spiritual prosperity. In this form, both deities are seated in a posture of regal ease, conveying a sense of power and serenity. This South Indian temple carving serves not only as a visual representation of the divine couple, but also as a reminder of the values they embody: righteousness, prosperity, harmony, and devotion. The careful crafting of this piece makes it an object of beauty, suitable for display, and a source of inspiration and reflection.

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.

Products related to this item