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Lord Buddha in Bhumisparsha Mudra

$1275
$1700
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Specifications
XW75
South Indian Temple Wood Carving
Height: 36 inch
Width: 17.5 inch
Depth: 6 inch
Weight 15.33 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Ships in 1-3 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.

Witness to Enlightenment

Crafted with reverence and meticulous detail, this temple wood carving embodies one of the most significant moments in the life of Siddhartha Gautama – his enlightenment. Seated in the lotus position, the figure emanates a sense of profound peace and unwavering determination. The gentle curve of the lips hints at a serene smile, while the eyes are cast downwards in meditative contemplation. Every line, every curve, speaks to the depth of inner awakening. The seated posture, known as the lotus position or Padmasana, symbolizes stability, balance, and spiritual ascension. The perfectly aligned spine and the crossed legs represent the harmonious flow of energy within the body, preparing the mind for the ultimate realization. The head, adorned with tightly curled hair, signifies renunciation of worldly attachments.

The Earth as Witness

The most striking aspect of this sculpture is the hand gesture, or mudra, depicted. Known as the Bhumisparsha mudra, it translates to "earth-touching gesture." This mudra represents the moment when Siddhartha, under the Bodhi tree, was challenged by Mara, the demon of illusion, who tried to prevent him from achieving enlightenment. Mara unleashed his armies of temptations and doubts, attempting to shake Siddhartha's resolve. Undeterred, Siddhartha touched the earth with his right hand, calling upon the Earth Goddess, Sthavara, to bear witness to his countless lifetimes of virtue and spiritual practice. In response, the Earth roared in affirmation, silencing Mara and his demons. This mudra, therefore, symbolizes unwavering faith, steadfast resolve, and the ultimate triumph over temptation and delusion. It is a powerful reminder of the inner strength that lies within each of us, waiting to be awakened.

A South Indian Masterpiece

This exquisite sculpture is a testament to the rich artistic traditions of South India, where temple carvings have flourished for centuries. Skilled artisans, deeply immersed in the spiritual and philosophical tenets of Buddhism, painstakingly bring these divine forms to life. The choice of wood as a medium reflects the inherent connection between the human spirit and the natural world. Each piece of wood possesses its own unique grain and character, lending an individual quality to the final artwork. The meticulous carving captures not only the physical form but also the inner essence of the deity, transforming the wood into a sacred object of devotion. The embellishments and surrounding ornamentation are indicative of the South Indian aesthetic, showcasing meticulous attention to detail and artistic finesse. The carving serves as a portal, inviting the viewer to connect with the teachings of the Buddha and embark on their own journey of self-discovery.

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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