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Lord Shiva

$1659.75
$2213
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
The world's most masterful wood-carvers reside in the recesses of South India. With the practice of this art running across generations of artisan families, the most perfect of wooden sculptures are to be found in this part of the Orient. This sculpture is of the ascetic Lord Shiva, sculpted in a stately posture and a soothing composure of countenance. Done up in richly hued pastels that go best with the base material, the ornate pedestal complements the harmonious mood of the deity.
Specifications
ZBX48
South Indian Temple Wood Carving
Height: 40 inch
Width: 18.5 inch
Depth: 7 inch
Weight 13.50 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 40 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.

Embodiment of Divine Grace: A South Indian Wood Carving

This exquisite wood carving captures the essence of Lord Shiva, the supreme deity in Hinduism, revered as the destroyer and transformer, the source of all creation and dissolution. Crafted with meticulous detail in the rich tradition of South Indian temple art, this sculpture is a testament to centuries-old craftsmanship and spiritual devotion. The intricate carvings, vibrant colors, and powerful symbolism evoke a sense of awe and reverence, making it a focal point for any sacred space or a cherished piece of art. The depiction of Lord Shiva is multi-faceted, reflecting his diverse cosmic roles. He is often portrayed as the ascetic yogi meditating in the Himalayas, as the fierce warrior destroying ignorance, or as the benevolent grantor of boons. In this particular portrayal, the multiple arms and their gestures, known as *mudras*, convey different aspects of his divine power and purpose. The trident (*trishul*) he holds symbolizes the three gunas – sattva, rajas, and tamas – which govern the universe, as well as the past, present, and future. The serpent coiled around his neck represents his control over primal energies and his ability to transcend fear and illusion.

Mythological Significance and Cultural Heritage

The tradition of wood carving for religious purposes in South India is deeply rooted in the ancient texts and temple architecture. These carvings were not merely decorative; they were intended to be visual representations of divine stories and teachings, making them accessible to the devotees. Lord Shiva's mythology is vast and complex, encompassing tales of his cosmic dance (*Tandava*) that sustains the universe, his fierce battles against demons, and his compassionate healing powers. He is also the patron deity of arts, music, and meditation, embodying a perfect balance of destruction and creation, austerity and compassion. The presence of a small deer at his feet signifies his dominion over nature and his gentle nurturing aspect, as deer are often associated with grace and purity. The elaborate adornments and the rich tapestry of colors in this carving are characteristic of the vibrant art forms found in temples of states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala, where divine figures are rendered with an almost lifelike intensity. This piece, therefore, is more than just a statue; it's a conduit to a spiritual legacy, a tangible link to the devotional practices and artistic mastery of a bygone era.

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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