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MADE IN INDIA.

Panel with Lord Vishnu Seated on Garuda

$951.75
$1269
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
ZBW53
South Indian Temple Wood Carving
Height: 17 inch
Width: 41 inch
Depth: 2.5 inch
Weight 13 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.

A Symphony in Wood: The Divine Dance of Lord Vishnu

This exquisite wooden panel, a testament to the rich artistic heritage of South India, captures a moment of divine grace and cosmic power. Crafted from temple wood, its intricate carvings tell a story steeped in mythology and devotion. At its heart, Lord Vishnu, the preserver and protector of the universe, is depicted in a seated posture, radiating an aura of serenity and divine authority. His serene countenance, adorned with traditional South Indian ornamentation, invites contemplation and peace. Flanking the central deity are celestial beings and symbolic animals, each rendered with remarkable detail and dynamism. To one side, a depiction of the divine mount, Garuda, the eagle-like creature, embodies speed, strength, and unwavering loyalty. Garuda, often seen as the vahana (vehicle) of Vishnu, symbolizes the swiftness with which the divine intervenes to protect righteousness. The vibrant colors, applied with traditional techniques, further enhance the visual narrative, bringing the ancient tales to life. The meticulous detailing in the carvings, from the delicate patterns on the divine garments to the textured feathers of the surrounding creatures, speaks volumes about the skill and dedication of the artisans. ––––––––––––––––––

Echoes of Tradition: South Indian Temple Artistry

The artistic style of this panel is deeply rooted in the traditions of South Indian temple carvings, where wood has been a revered medium for centuries. Temples across states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are adorned with such intricate wooden sculptures, often depicting scenes from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as the myriad forms of deities. These carvings were not merely decorative; they served as visual aids for storytelling, education, and spiritual connection. This panel, with its depiction of Vishnu, a central deity in the Hindu pantheon, resonates with the spiritual fervor that has defined these sacred spaces for millennia. The use of temple wood itself carries a sanctity, often sourced from ancient trees that have witnessed generations of prayers and devotion. The surrounding motifs further enrich the narrative. Lions, often symbols of regal power and protection, stand guard, while stylized birds, possibly peacocks or swans, add an element of natural beauty and grace. The architectural elements, reminiscent of temple pillars and arches, frame the divine figures, creating a sense of sacred space. The craftsmanship is evident in the way the wood has been coaxed into form, with every curve and contour adding to the overall aesthetic appeal. This piece is more than just a decorative item; it is a tangible connection to a living artistic and spiritual tradition, a window into the soul of South Indian culture. It brings a sense of ancient wisdom and enduring beauty into any space it graces.

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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