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MADE IN INDIA.

Rescue of Saint Markandeya by Lord Shiva

$806.25
$1075
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
EH78
South Indian Temple Wood CarvingArtist: R. Chellappan
Height: 3 inch
Width: 1.5 inch
Weight 9.50 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.

The Artistry of South Indian Temple Carving

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of South India with this exquisitely crafted wooden carving. More than just a decorative piece, this work is a testament to the skill and devotion of the artisans who have, for generations, adorned temples with intricate sculptures that depict sacred narratives. Created by the skilled hands of artist R. Chellappan, this piece exemplifies the traditional techniques and aesthetic sensibilities of temple art. The wood's warm tones and smooth finish invite a tactile experience, beckoning you to appreciate the detail in every line and curve.

A Tale of Devotion and Divine Intervention

This captivating carving brings to life a powerful episode from Hindu mythology: the story of Markandeya and his devotion to Lord Shiva. Markandeya was a young sage destined to die at the age of sixteen. His parents were heartbroken by this prophecy, but the sage Markandeya dedicated his life to worship of Lord Shiva and was blessed with a boon from the Lord which in the end resulted in him conquering death. On the day of his prophesied death, Yama, the God of Death, arrived to claim Markandeya's soul. As Yama approached, the devoted sage embraced a Shiva Lingam (a symbolic representation of Lord Shiva) in fervent prayer. Enraged by Markandeya's devotion, Yama cast his noose to seize the boy. At that moment, Lord Shiva emerged from the Lingam, his divine form radiant and fearsome. With thunderous fury, Shiva subdued Yama, rescuing Markandeya from the clutches of death. This sacred moment signifies the triumph of devotion over destiny, the power of divine grace to overcome even the most formidable obstacles. This narrative, embedded within the carving, serves as a constant reminder of the strength found in faith and the eternal nature of the soul.

Intricate Details, Lasting Impression

Observe the four arms of Shiva, each holding symbolic objects: the trident (trishul) representing the destruction of ego and ignorance, while the deer represents agility and compassion. See Markandeya clinging to the base of the Lingam. Vrishaba, Shiva's Nandi (Bull) is seen on the side. The very posture of Shiva conveys not only immense power but also compassion for his devotee. This wooden carving is perfectly sized to enhance any space. Display it on a wall, shelf, or altar to infuse your home with spiritual energy and artistic beauty. The dimensions of 3.0 x 1.5 x 0.0 inches makes it ideal for meditation rooms, living spaces, or offices, serving as a constant source of inspiration and reflection. Owning this piece means holding a tangible connection to a vibrant cultural legacy and the timeless wisdom of Hindu mythology.

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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