Perch Parrot With Richly Detailed Plumage

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Perch Parrot With Richly Detailed Plumage

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Name: Perch Parrot With Richly Detailed Plumage
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZEN515
Price: 145.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$125.25

$167

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

The temples of the South are known for their magnificence. They are usually the tallest structures in their respective vicinity, richly carved with images that capture the imagination of the devoted. A whole genre of contemporary sculptural art in India is devoted to replicating the images that grace the exterior of these ancient temples. These images surround the central deity of the temple in question and could be found anywhere from just outside the garbhagrha (housing the central deity) to the spire of the temple itself.

The visual of pastel-coloured wood is a very Southern thing in Indian art. Zoom in on the skilful serrations of the parrot’s richly detailed plumage and the stylised lotus pedestal it is perched on. An example of temple-style architecture, it is probably inspired by a decorative edge of the cornice at some ancient temple. The stance is like it is watching over the devotees that step in and out of the temple of their lord or Devi.

The protrusion of the breast is at a sharp angle to the curve of the neck, adding an impression of the dynamic to this work. Note the gracious silhouette of its wings in motion, the restful state of its tail, and the half-open beak that is indicative of the creature’s level of engagement with the object before it.

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Specifications

	ZEN515
	South Indian Temple Wood Carving
	Height: 12 inch
	Width: 3.8 inch
	Depth: 6.7 inch
	Weight 1 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 Celestial Bird of Auspicious Significance

This exquisite wood carving captures the essence of a magnificent bird, a creature steeped in myth and symbolism across Indian culture. Originating from the rich artistic traditions of South India, this piece is more than just a decorative item; it is a testament to the skill of temple artisans and a conduit to ancient narratives. The bird, with its vibrant plumage rendered in striking hues of orange, gold, and deep blue, stands proudly on a decorative pedestal, its form exuding grace and power. Each feather is meticulously carved, showcasing a remarkable level of detail that speaks to generations of craftsmanship honed in sacred spaces. ––––––––––

Echoes of Mythology and Divine Proportions

In Hindu mythology, birds often serve as divine vehicles or messengers, embodying speed, freedom, and spiritual ascent. While not explicitly identified, this regal bird evokes the imagery of the Garuda, the celestial eagle, the mount of Lord Vishnu, protector of the cosmos. Garuda is renowned for his strength, loyalty, and ability to traverse realms, symbolizing righteousness and the triumph of good over evil. Alternatively, it could represent the Hamsa, the swan or goose, often associated with purity, knowledge, and the ability to discern truth from illusion, as it is said to be able to separate milk from water. The intricate crest atop its head and the fanned tail feathers further enhance its majestic aura, suggesting a creature of celestial origin, brought to life by the skilled hands of an artisan who understood the profound spiritual significance of their work. The design of the base, with its layered, petal-like motifs, further emphasizes the sacred context from which this carving emerges, reminiscent of temple architecture and divine altars. ––––––––––

A Legacy of South Indian Wood Carving

This piece is a fine example of South Indian temple wood carving, a discipline that flourished for centuries, adorning the grand temples of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. These carvings were not merely decorative; they were integral to the storytelling and devotional practices within these sacred sites. Artisans, often working in communities, would meticulously shape wood, transforming it into representations of gods, goddesses, celestial beings, and mythical creatures. The techniques employed, passed down through families, involve detailed chiseling, shaping, and often, the application of vibrant natural pigments, as seen in this carving. The slightly weathered appearance, characteristic of authentic temple art, adds to its charm and authenticity, suggesting that it carries within it the whispers of countless prayers and rituals. Owning this carving is like bringing a piece of that ancient artistic and spiritual heritage into your own home, a constant reminder of the enduring power of faith and artistry.

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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