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Lord Ganesha Seated on Rat

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Name: Lord Ganesha Seated on Rat
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZAV01
Price: 1600.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$2000

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	ZAV01
	South Indian Temple Wood Carving
	Height: 35.3 inch
	Width: 23.6 inch
	Depth: 5.7 inch
	Weight 17.20 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 35 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.

A Divine Presence: Lord Ganesha on His Vahana

This magnificent South Indian temple wood carving depicts Lord Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed deity, in a posture of serene authority. Crafted with exquisite detail, the artwork captures the essence of divine grace and wisdom that Ganesha embodies. His gentle gaze and benevolent expression invite contemplation and offer a sense of peace to any space. The intricate carvings on his headdress, ornaments, and clothing speak to the meticulous skill of the artisans, who have brought this sacred image to life through their dedication and talent. Each line and curve of the wood tells a story, reflecting centuries of artistic tradition and deep spiritual reverence. ––––––––––––––––––

The Symbolism of Ganesha and His Mount

Lord Ganesha is revered as the Remover of Obstacles, the god of beginnings, and the patron of arts and sciences. He is worshipped before any undertaking, ensuring success and prosperity. His divine mount, the rat (Mooshika), is a powerful symbol in itself. The rat, known for its ability to penetrate any barrier and for its insatiable appetite, represents desires, greed, and the earthly attachments that can hinder spiritual progress. By riding the rat, Ganesha demonstrates his mastery over these very obstacles. He controls and guides them, showing that with wisdom and devotion, even the most persistent challenges can be overcome. This profound symbolism is beautifully rendered in this sculpture, where Ganesha's calm demeanor contrasts with the alert posture of his vahana, signifying his absolute control and understanding of the material world. ––––––––––––––––––

A Masterpiece of Traditional Craftsmanship

This sculpture is a testament to the rich heritage of South Indian wood carving. The tradition of carving deities and mythological figures from wood is an ancient practice, deeply interwoven with the cultural and religious fabric of the region. Artisans painstakingly select wood and then employ traditional tools and techniques passed down through generations to transform raw material into objects of profound beauty and spiritual significance. The wood itself, often sourced from sacred groves or trees known for their durability and aesthetic qualities, adds to the inherent value and mystique of the piece. The deep, warm tones of the wood, enhanced by the skillful carving, create a tangible connection to the earth and to the divine. This piece is not merely a decorative item but a sacred artwork, imbued with the spirit of devotion and the artistic legacy of its creators, making it a truly exceptional addition to any collection.

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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