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The Pillar of Ashoka

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Name: The Pillar of Ashoka
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZP21
Price: 135.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$135

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Specifications

	ZP21
	Kaima Wood SculptureArtist Vishwakarma family
	Height: 11 inch
	Width: 5 inch
	Depth: 5 inch
	Weight 1 kg

Delivery and Return Policies


	Returns and Exchanges accepted with 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.

Symbolism in Form

This exquisite wood sculpture is more than just a decorative piece; it's a powerful emblem steeped in history and cultural significance. The sculpture meticulously recreates a iconic pillar, a symbol of leadership, dharma, and peace. The use of Kaima wood lends a warm, natural aesthetic to the piece, enhancing its inherent connection to the earth and the ancient wisdom it represents. The circular abacus below the lions is adorned with intricate carvings of animals – the elephant, the bull, the horse, and the lion – separated by intervening Dharma Chakras. Each animal symbolizes a different aspect of life and Buddhist philosophy. The elephant represents Queen Maya's dream of a white elephant entering her womb, presaging the birth of Siddhartha Gautama. The bull represents strength, courage and perseverance. The horse symbolizes Kanthaka, the horse of Prince Siddhartha which he used to abandon worldly life. The lion symbolizes royalty, leadership and power. The Dharma Chakra, or the Wheel of Law, represents the teachings of Buddha and the path to enlightenment.

The Hands of Vishwakarma

This intricate piece is brought to life by the skilled artisans of the Vishwakarma family, a lineage renowned for their mastery of traditional Indian crafts. Their dedication to preserving ancient techniques ensures that each sculpture embodies the spirit and precision of their ancestral heritage. In Hindu mythology, Vishwakarma is the divine architect, the craftsman of the gods, and the creator of the universe. He is revered as the ultimate artisan and master of all crafts. The Vishwakarma community are considered his descendants, inheriting his divine skills and upholding his legacy through their craftsmanship. This piece is not simply made, it is crafted with a devotion to the very spirit of creation, passed down through generations.

A Legacy in Wood

The meticulous detail evident in this Kaima wood carving speaks to a deep understanding of both artistic form and cultural context. Display this sculpture in your home or office as a reminder of enduring principles, the pursuit of knowledge, and the timeless beauty of expertly crafted art. Place this in a room with soft, natural light to best bring out the color and rich detail. Its presence is sure to spark conversation and contemplation, bringing a touch of ancient wisdom and artistic beauty into your space. This piece measures approximately 11.0 x 5.0 x 5.0 inches, making it a perfectly sized addition to any decor.

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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