Santan Lakshmi - South Indian Temple Wood Carving Statue

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MADE IN INDIA.

Santan Lakshmi - South Indian Temple Wood Carving Statue

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Name: Santan Lakshmi - South Indian Temple Wood Carving Statue
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZAQ63
Price: 1390.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$1303.50

$1738

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Amongst the many forms of wealth, a human being can possess, the gift of progeny or Santan, in Hindu tradition, is one of the foremost.

A manifestation of divine motherhood and fertility, goddess Lakshmi in this wooden statue has taken her Roopa as Santan-Lakshmi, who bestows the boon of virtuous and healthy progeny on those who evoke this roopa.

Enthroned on a beautiful lotus throne, goddess Lakshmi has all the physical markers of a woman who has approached motherhood.

She holds a weapon to protect the child on her lap and two pots of plenty or Purnaghata as ancient symbols of fecundity.

Carved exquisitely and infused with the richness of colors, this wooden statue of Santan Lakshmi is a blessing for those seeking her abundant powers.

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Specifications

	ZAQ63
	South Indian Temple Wood Carving
	Height: 31 inch
	Width: 20 inch
	Depth: 8 inch
	Weight 19.63 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.

Embodiment of Divine Motherhood and Prosperity

This exquisite South Indian temple wood carving captures the serene and benevolent form of Santan Lakshmi, the goddess who bestows progeny and nurtures all forms of life. Depicted in a seated posture of grace upon a vibrant lotus, she is the embodiment of maternal love and abundance, a powerful symbol of fertility and family well-being. Her multiple arms, a common representation of divine power and omnipresence, hold various symbolic objects, each signifying a different aspect of her blessings. In one hand, she offers a pot, representing the inexhaustible supply of wealth and sustenance. Another hand is raised in the Abhaya Mudra, the gesture of fearlessness and protection, reassuring her devotees of her constant care.

A Tapestry of Myth and Craftsmanship

The art of wood carving in South India carries a rich heritage, deeply intertwined with religious devotion and storytelling. For centuries, artisans have meticulously carved deities and mythological figures, imbuing each piece with spiritual significance and intricate detail. This statue is a testament to that ancient tradition, reflecting the skill and dedication of master craftsmen. The vibrant colors and delicate ornamentation are reminiscent of temple artwork, where every hue and pattern holds symbolic meaning. The lotus, a universal symbol of purity, beauty, and spiritual awakening, serves as her divine seat, grounding her in the earthly realm while connecting her to the celestial. The radiant aura behind her signifies her divine radiance and protective embrace, reminiscent of the halos seen in classical Indian paintings.

The Nurturing Embrace

At the heart of this divine representation is the presence of a child, nestled securely in the goddess's lap. This element specifically highlights Santan Lakshmi's role as the bestower of children and the protector of families. The child, depicted with a serene expression and adorned with simple jewelry, reflects the innocence and joy of new life. This imagery evokes the primal maternal instinct, a universal theme that resonates across cultures. In Hindu mythology, Lakshmi, in her various forms, is not only the goddess of wealth but also a nurturer and a bestower of good fortune, ensuring prosperity and happiness in all aspects of life, especially within the family unit. This carving is a poignant reminder of the importance of lineage, fertility, and the unconditional love of a mother.

A Legacy in Wood

Crafted using traditional temple wood carving techniques, this statue is a masterpiece of artisanal skill. The rich textures and the subtle play of light and shadow achieved through the carving process bring the divine form to life. The intricate detailing in the headdress, the flowing garments, and the delicate adornments speak to the artist's profound understanding of form and devotion. This piece is more than just a decorative item; it is a conduit for blessings, a focal point for prayer, and a beautiful piece of cultural heritage. Its substantial presence and intricate craftsmanship make it a significant addition to any sacred space or a treasured heirloom.

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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