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MADE IN INDIA.

Nandi - The Bull of Shiva

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Name: Nandi - The Bull of Shiva
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZCY27
Price: 465.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$435.75

$581

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	ZCY27
	South Indian Temple Wood Carving
	Height: 10 inch
	Width: 12.2 inch
	Depth: 8 inch
	Weight 2.68 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 40 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.

The Divine Sentinel: A South Indian Wood Carving of Nandi

Embrace the spiritual essence of Hinduism with this exquisite wood carving, depicting Nandi, the sacred bull and devoted vahana (vehicle) of Lord Shiva. This piece of South Indian temple art captures the divine grace and unwavering loyalty that Nandi embodies, making it a powerful statement for any sacred space or discerning collector. Crafted with exceptional skill by master artisans, this carving showcases the rich tradition of South Indian woodcraft. The intricate details of Nandi's form, from the serene expression on his face to the powerful musculature of his body, are brought to life through meticulous handwork. The wood is skillfully shaped and then adorned with vibrant, traditional colors that highlight the ornamental trappings befitting such a divine attendant. The patterns carved into his saddle and collar speak of ancient motifs often found adorning temple sculptures across the southern regions of India, each stroke infused with devotion and artistic mastery. Nandi is more than just a mount; he is the chief of Shiva's ganas (attendants) and the guardian of Kailash, Lord Shiva's celestial abode. Tales abound of Nandi's steadfast devotion, his roar being so powerful that it could shake the heavens. He is also considered the deity of dharma, justice, and righteousness. It is said that Nandi was granted immortality and the ability to understand the Vedas, signifying his immense wisdom and purity. Devotees often whisper their wishes into Nandi’s ear before approaching the main shrine in Shiva temples, believing that Nandi, being closest to Shiva, will relay their prayers directly to the Lord. This carving, therefore, is not just an artistic object but a conduit for devotion and a symbol of the profound bond between the devotee and the divine.

A Timeless Symbol of Devotion and Strength

This striking sculpture is a testament to the enduring power of faith and the artistic heritage of South India. The choice of wood, combined with the skilled carving techniques passed down through generations, results in a piece that is both aesthetically pleasing and spiritually resonant. The rich earth tones of the wood are accentuated by the splashes of color, creating a visual narrative of Nandi's divine presence. The lotus-like base upon which Nandi rests further enhances the sacred aura of the piece, symbolizing purity and spiritual awakening. Whether placed in a home temple, meditation room, or as a significant piece of decor, this Nandi carving invites contemplation and fosters an atmosphere of peace and reverence. It serves as a constant reminder of loyalty, strength, and the harmonious coexistence of devotion and the divine.

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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