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Reclining Ganesha

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Name: Reclining Ganesha
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: EF44
Price: 635.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$595.50

$794

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	EF44
	South Indian Temple Wood Carving
	Height: 0.8 ft
	Width: 1.8 ft
	Depth: 0.8 ft
	Weight 4.80 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.

A Glimpse of Divinity

Immerse yourself in the serenity and wisdom embodied by Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the harbinger of auspicious beginnings. This exquisitely crafted wooden statue presents a unique depiction of the beloved elephant-headed deity, capturing him in a moment of tranquil repose. The detail is astounding, reflecting the skill and dedication of the South Indian artisans who poured their heart into this piece. This portrayal departs from the more traditional, upright representations of Ganesha. Here, he reclines, seemingly at ease, which provides a calming presence to any space. This portrayal invokes a sense of peace and invites contemplation. This unusual posture offers a fresh perspective on the powerful deity, revealing a gentler, more introspective side.

The Lord of Beginnings: A Story Etched in Wood

Ganesha, also known as Ganapati, Vinayaka, and Pillaiyar, is one of the most widely revered deities in the Hindu pantheon. His significance is profound, permeating various aspects of Hindu life and culture. He is invoked at the beginning of any venture, be it a new business, a journey, or even a simple task, to ensure success and ward off negativity. The legends surrounding Ganesha's origin are many and varied. One popular tale recounts how Parvati, the consort of Shiva, created Ganesha from the turmeric paste she used for bathing. She assigned him to guard the entrance of her abode while she bathed. When Shiva returned and was denied entry by the unfamiliar boy, a battle ensued. Ultimately, Shiva, unaware of Ganesha's true identity, severed his head. Parvati was inconsolable, and Shiva, regretting his actions, promised to revive Ganesha. He instructed his followers to bring the head of the first creature they encountered facing north. They returned with the head of an elephant, which was then grafted onto Ganesha's body, giving him his iconic form. Each element of Ganesha's form carries symbolic weight. His large ears symbolize his ability to listen to the prayers of his devotees. His large belly represents the universe and his capacity to absorb all experiences. His trunk is a symbol of adaptability and intelligence, able to uproot large trees or pick up a small needle. The modak (sweet dumpling) he often holds is a symbol of the rewards of spiritual seeking.

Craftsmanship and Dimensions

This remarkable piece is carved from temple wood, a material traditionally reserved for sacred objects and architectural elements. The carving originated in South India, a region celebrated for its rich artistic heritage and its devotion to Ganesha. Every curve, every fold, every detail of the sculpture has been meticulously hand-carved, lending the piece a unique texture and depth. The dimensions of this piece are 0.8 x 1.8 x 0.8 feet, making it a substantial, eye-catching addition to any home, meditation space, or sacred altar. This reclining Ganesha will bring an aura of peace and a touch of divine artistry to your surroundings.

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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