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Mahakala Temple Strut

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Name: Mahakala Temple Strut
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: EA17
Price: 750.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$703.50

$938

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	EA17
	Wood Sculpture
	41.0" x 6.0" x 4.2"
	Weight 10 kg

Delivery and Return Policies


	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 wooden pillar is a majestic embodiment of Buddhist art and spirituality. This piece stands tall at 41 inches, with a width of 6 inches and a depth of 4.2 inches, featuring intricate carvings that bring ancient Buddhist beliefs to life. Perfect for collectors of Buddhist art, those who appreciate fine craftsmanship, or anyone seeking a meaningful piece to enhance their living space.

The Wrathful Guardian: Mahakala

At the center of this exquisitely carved wooden strut stands Mahakala, a prominent deity in Tibetan Buddhism. Mahakala, whose name translates to "Great Black One," is revered as a fierce protector of the Dharma, the Buddhist teachings. Despite his wrathful appearance, often depicted with a menacing face, multiple arms wielding weapons, and surrounded by flames, Mahakala embodies compassion and the unwavering commitment to dispel obstacles on the path to enlightenment. Different forms of Mahakala exist across various schools of Tibetan Buddhism, each with unique attributes and iconography. The depiction on this strut captures Mahakala in a dynamic pose, suggesting his active role in safeguarding practitioners and their spiritual journey. He is often portrayed dancing on a corpse, symbolizing the subjugation of ego and negative forces. The weapons he wields are not instruments of violence, but rather represent the cutting away of ignorance, attachment, and other hindrances to enlightenment.

The Legacy of Temple Art

This wooden sculpture evokes the rich tradition of temple art found in many parts of Asia, especially within the Himalayan regions. Traditionally, struts like these would have been integral structural and decorative elements of temples, monasteries, and other sacred buildings. They served not only to support the building's framework but also to visually convey the complex philosophical and spiritual narratives of Buddhism. The artisans who created these pieces were often deeply religious individuals who infused their work with devotion and symbolism. This strut offers a tangible connection to that legacy. Its detailed carvings demonstrate the high level of skill and artistry involved in creating these sacred objects. Displaying this wooden sculpture in your home or office can serve as a reminder of the power of compassion, the importance of spiritual practice, and the rich cultural heritage of Buddhism.

Auspicious Beginnings

At the base of the column, an additional deity is carved, further enriching the spiritual narrative of the piece. While this figure appears calm and medatative, it is possible to view this figure as the deity in a previous, less wrathful manifestation. The base deity sits calmly on the column with his hand presented to the viewer. The gesture is inviting, yet commanding, and can be interpreted as a warding gesture, protecting the home as well as inviting peace and calm. This sculpture is more than just a decorative object; it is a work of art that invites contemplation and reflection, making it a meaningful addition to any space.

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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