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Large Size Lady with Mirror (Apsara)

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Name: Large Size Lady with Mirror (Apsara)
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZBB96
Price: 1390.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$1303.50

$1738

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Notify me when this item is available

Specifications

	ZBB96
	South Indian Temple Wood Carving
	Height: 36 inch
	Width: 19 inch
	Depth: 7 inch
	Weight 17.10 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 Ethereal Vision: The Celestial Dancer's Reflection

This magnificent South Indian temple wood carving portrays a captivating Apsara, a celestial nymph renowned for her unparalleled beauty, grace, and skill in the arts. These divine beings, daughters of the gods, inhabit the heavens and are known to enchant both mortals and immortals with their mesmerising performances. In Hindu mythology, Apsaras are often depicted as attendants to the gods, tasked with entertaining them in their celestial abode, Indra's swarga. They are also known to bless kings and warriors, bestowing good fortune and prowess. This particular sculpture captures a moment of serene contemplation, as the Apsara gazes into a mirror held delicately in her hand. The mirror, in many cultures, symbolizes self-awareness, introspection, and the ephemeral nature of beauty and worldly possessions. It is a tool for adornment, yes, but also a conduit for self-discovery. The intricate details of her jewellery, the flowing lines of her garment, and the gentle curve of her posture speak volumes of her divine essence.

A Testament to Traditional Craftsmanship

Crafted with meticulous care by skilled artisans in South India, this wooden sculpture is a testament to centuries-old artistic traditions. The region is renowned for its wood carving, a craft passed down through generations, where each piece is imbued with spiritual significance and aesthetic brilliance. The vibrant hues of red, green, and yellow, painstakingly applied, accentuate the three-dimensional depth of the carving, bringing the divine figure to life. The Apsara is adorned with elaborate necklaces, bangles, and anklets, each element rendered with remarkable precision. Even the small attendant figure at her feet, carrying what appears to be a musical instrument, is carved with exquisite detail, hinting at the rich tapestry of her heavenly court. The detailed ornamentation on her headdress and the graceful swirl of fabric around her waist further enhance the visual narrative.

Symbolism and Spiritual Resonance

The Apsara, in her divine beauty and artistic prowess, represents the pursuit of perfection and the celebration of life's finer aspects. Her contemplation in the mirror can be interpreted as a moment of divine insight, a recognition of her own radiant nature, or perhaps a reflection on the transient beauty of the mortal world. The presence of the attendant suggests that even celestial beings are surrounded by a retinue, highlighting the hierarchy and interconnectedness within the cosmic realm. This carving is more than just a decorative object; it is a piece of sacred art that carries with it the echoes of ancient stories and profound philosophical concepts, inviting contemplation and admiration. It serves as a reminder of the divine feminine, the power of art, and the enduring allure of beauty.

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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