Sheshashayi Vishnu Touching the Shiva Linga

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Sheshashayi Vishnu Touching the Shiva Linga

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Name: Sheshashayi Vishnu Touching the Shiva Linga
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZDH84
Price: 835.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$1044

Includes any tariffs and taxes

This exquisite piece of carved wood is replete with Oriental significance - the God of preservation Lord Vishnu (part of the creator-preserver-destroyer trinity) reclines (shayi) upon the parlokiya (otherworldly) snake (shesha) and cups the tip of the holy Shivalingam with one hand, while characteristically holding a lotus to His nose with the other. The smooth texture of the endemic kadamba wood and the delicate tint of the whole sculpture will fill your heart with reverence.

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Specifications

	ZDH84
	Kadamba Wood Sculpture from Jaipur
	Height: 11.7 inch
	Width: 20.2 inch
	Depth: 11 inch
	Weight 5.27 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 35 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.

The Divine Slumber: Vishnu on Ananta Shesha

Immerse yourself in the profound serenity of the cosmic slumber with this exquisite wood carving, depicting Lord Vishnu reclining on the coils of the celestial serpent, Ananta Shesha. This masterful work of art captures a pivotal moment of divine repose, a representation of the eternal cycle of creation, preservation, and dissolution that governs the universe. Crafted from fine Kadamba wood in the renowned artisan hub of Jaipur, this sculpture embodies the spiritual essence and artistic heritage of India. Ananta Shesha, also known as Adi Shesha, is the king of all Nagas, a divine being with a thousand hoods, often depicted as the couch upon which Lord Vishnu rests during the periods of cosmic dissolution. This depiction symbolizes Vishnu's omnipresence and his role as the supreme being who presides over the universe even in its quiescent state. The intricate details of the serpent's scales and the serene countenance of Lord Vishnu evoke a sense of peace and immutability.

A Moment of Contemplation and Creation

The narrative conveyed in this sculpture is deeply significant. Lord Vishnu, in his divine repose, is shown touching a Shiva Linga, an iconic representation of Lord Shiva. This act symbolizes the inseparability and fundamental unity of the Trimurti – Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva – the principal deities of Hinduism who collectively govern the cosmic functions. In certain Puranic tales, it is believed that during the time of cosmic rest, Vishnu, while dreaming, conceives the creation that will follow. His touch upon the Shiva Linga can be interpreted as the genesis of this new cosmic cycle, an affirmation of Shiva's power as the destroyer and regenerator, inextricably linked to Vishnu's role as the preserver. The presence of a small figure of Lakshmi, Vishnu's consort, emerging from a lotus above, further emphasizes the unfolding of prosperity and creation.

Artistry and Heritage

This sculpture is not merely an object of devotion but a testament to the skill and dedication of the artisans of Jaipur. The Kadamba wood, known for its fine grain and smooth texture, has been meticulously carved to bring out every nuance of the divine form. From the elaborate ornamentation adorning Lord Vishnu to the textured coils of Ananta Shesha and the delicate rendering of the Shiva Linga, each element is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. The natural, warm hue of the wood adds to the sculpture's timeless appeal, making it a captivating centerpiece for any spiritual or decorative setting. This piece is a tangible connection to the rich artistic traditions that have flourished in Rajasthan for centuries, bringing divine stories to life through the skillful hands of master craftsmen.

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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