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The Metamorphosis Of The Buddha

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Name: The Metamorphosis Of The Buddha
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: EB74
Price: 835.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$783

$1044

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

When we hear the name of the Buddha, an image of princely beauty in ascetic form comes to mind. We visualise the handsome Shakyamuni, the glamour of his regal life of the past contained within the dhyani roopa (meditative composure) of the enlightened one. First we know Him as the Siddhartha Shakyamuni, and then we know Him as the Gautama Buddha.

Between those two phases of the same Vishnu incarnation lies a long phase of transition. The work of art you see on this page seeks to capture the Lord in the midst of that metamorphosis. He spent those years traversing the subcontinent, leading the life of an austere sadhu. He lived in the wilderness and amongst people but not with them; He stopped on His travels, but did not stay anywhere; and in keeping with the precepts of hathayoga, He mortified the flesh (tapah) by seeking as little extrinsic nourishment (in terms of food, etc) as scarcely kept His boat floating.

Which explains the highly pronounced bone structure. The sharp lines where the flesh sinks into the abdominal socket and stretches taught over the girdle. The super-slender limbs gathered in the perfect padmasana. Note the solid halo framing the face with the sunken, half-shut eyes; and the pedestal carved with the images of homage-paying ascetics.

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Specifications

	EB74
	Wood Statue
	Height: 30.5 inch
	Width: 16.7 inch
	Depth: 6.5 inch
	Weight 8.40 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.

The Ascetic's Enlightenment

This exquisite wooden sculpture captures a profound and pivotal moment in the spiritual journey of the Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. It depicts him during his intense ascetic practices, a period of extreme self-denial and mortification undertaken in his quest for enlightenment. The artist has masterfully rendered the Buddha's emaciated form, with every rib and bone clearly defined, a testament to the rigors of his pursuit. This depiction is not one of suffering for its own sake, but rather a powerful symbol of the lengths to which one can go when seeking ultimate truth and liberation from the cycle of suffering. The serene yet gaunt face, framed by the traditional cranial protuberance and a faint beard, conveys a deep internal focus. The subtle urna, the circular dot between his eyebrows, signifies his spiritual insight. His posture is one of deep meditation, hands resting in his lap, a stark contrast to the visible physical depletion. This is the Buddha before his full awakening, a being testing the very limits of his physical and mental endurance. It is a representation of his critical realization that extreme asceticism was not the path to enlightenment, leading him to the Middle Way. ––––––––––––––––––

The Foundation of Wisdom

The base of the sculpture is as significant as the central figure itself. Carved with intricate detail, it portrays a scene of devotion and support. Figures in monastic robes are shown in various postures of reverence, some kneeling in prayer, others standing with offerings or in respectful silence. At the center, a traditional oil lamp burns, illuminating the scene. This imagery evokes the community of followers who supported the Buddha, and perhaps also represents the wisdom and compassion that he would later share. It serves as a reminder that even the most profound individual journeys are often undertaken with the backdrop of a supportive world, and that the ultimate goal of enlightenment is to benefit all beings. The meticulous craftsmanship of this wooden statue, from the delicate rendering of musculature and bone to the subtle expressions on the faces of the devotees, makes it a truly remarkable piece of art. It invites contemplation on the nature of suffering, the power of the human will, and the transformative journey towards spiritual awakening. This statue is more than just an object of beauty; it is a profound narrative carved in wood, a tangible reminder of the Buddha's path and the enduring principles of his teachings. It brings a sense of peace and deep reflection to any space it inhabits, serving as a constant inspiration for one's own inner journey.

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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