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Lord Ganesha Seated on Lotus

$1819
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
ZAS40
South Indian Temple Wood Carving
Height: 35.5 inch
Width: 18 inch
Depth: 6.3 inch
Weight 15.30 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 35 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.

The Remover of Obstacles, Seated in Serenity

This exquisite wood carving depicts Lord Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed deity, in a posture of profound calm and benevolent authority. Seated upon a richly sculpted lotus, the divine figure embodies a harmonious blend of power and grace, a testament to the enduring artistry of South Indian temple wood carving traditions. Each detail, from the intricate patterns on his adornments to the gentle curve of his trunk, speaks of the devotion and skill poured into its creation. The lotus itself is a powerful symbol in Hindu mythology, representing purity, enlightenment, and spiritual awakening. Just as the lotus blooms untainted from the muddy depths, Lord Ganesha, the god of wisdom and new beginnings, rises above obstacles and ignorance. He is revered as the patron of arts and sciences, and the scribe of sacred texts. Tales abound of his intelligence and wit, including his role in the Mahabharata, where he is said to have transcribed the epic as dictated by the sage Vyasa, writing without pause for years.

A Masterpiece of Devotional Craftsmanship

This deity is rendered with a palpable sense of divine presence. Lord Ganesha's iconic form is brought to life through meticulous carving, highlighting the divine texture of his skin and the majesty of his form. His multiple arms, each often associated with specific attributes or blessings, are positioned in gestures of benediction and bestowal. The tranquil expression on his face, with his large ears attuned to the prayers of his devotees and his trunk curving gracefully, invites contemplation and reverence. The rich, warm tones of the wood, enhanced by traditional finishing techniques, add a timeless depth and aura to this sacred representation.

Embodying Wisdom and Auspicious Beginnings

The iconography of Ganesha is deeply meaningful. His large belly symbolizes his capacity to contain and digest all experiences, both good and bad, with equanimity. His single tusk, a broken one at that, signifies his willingness to sacrifice for a greater cause, as he broke it to scribe the Mahabharata. The modak (sweet dumpling) often held in one hand represents the sweetness of spiritual bliss, while his vehicle, the mouse, symbolizes the mastery over desire and the ability to overcome the smallest of fears. Invoking Ganesha is believed to clear the path for success in all endeavors, making this sculpture a powerful focal point for any space dedicated to peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth. This South Indian temple wood carving is not merely an object of art; it is an embodiment of auspiciousness and a conduit for divine blessings.

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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