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Sheshshayi Narayana Vishnu

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Name: Sheshshayi Narayana Vishnu
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZDA28
Price: 1770.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$1659.75

$2213

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	ZDA28
	South Indian Temple Wood Carving
	Height: 24.5 inch
	Width: 60.5 inch
	Depth: 3 inch
	Weight 26.46 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.

The Divine Slumber of Vishnu: A Masterpiece of South Indian Wood Carving

This exquisite hand-carved wooden panel depicts Sheshshayi Narayana, a profound representation of Lord Vishnu in his cosmic repose. In Hindu mythology, Vishnu is the preserver and protector of the universe, a divine being who sustains creation through his eternal vigilance. Here, he is shown reclining on the coils of Ananta Shesha, the primordial serpent king, whose thousand heads form a protective canopy over the slumbering deity. This imagery symbolizes Vishnu's eternal, unchanging nature, floating serenely in the cosmic ocean during the dissolution of the universe, awaiting the next cycle of creation. The intricate details of this South Indian temple wood carving bring to life the divine narrative. Lord Vishnu, with a serene countenance, rests upon the gracefully undulating form of Shesha. His hand is depicted in a gesture of contemplation or meditation, hinting at the profound thoughts that guide the universe even in his apparent stillness. Around him, celestial beings, including his consorts Lakshmi and possibly Saraswati and Brahma, are rendered with grace and devotion. Their presence signifies the continued functioning of the cosmos under Vishnu's watchful, though seemingly dormant, presence. The divine attendants also likely represent various demigods and celestial musicians, all paying homage to the supreme being. ––––––––––

Artistry and Tradition: A Testament to South Indian Craftsmanship

This panel is a remarkable example of the traditional wood carving techniques that have been passed down through generations in South India. The artists meticulously transform blocks of temple wood into a vibrant tableau, imbuing each figure with life and character. The rich, warm tones of the wood enhance the spiritual aura of the carving, making it a truly captivating piece. The architectural elements framing the central scene, such as the intricately carved pillars and decorative borders, further enhance the grandeur and sacredness of the depiction, reminiscent of the architectural styles found in ancient South Indian temples. The very act of carving this piece would have been considered a devotional practice, an offering to the divine. The depiction of Sheshshayi Narayana is deeply rooted in the Puranic literature, particularly the Srimad Bhagavatam. It represents a state of transcendental bliss and the ultimate resolution of all conflicts. This carving serves not only as a beautiful work of art but also as a focal point for meditation and contemplation, allowing viewers to connect with the profound philosophical and spiritual concepts it embodies. Owning such a piece is to invite a sense of divine peace and cosmic harmony into your space, a tangible connection to the eternal cycle of existence as envisioned in the rich tapestry of Indian spirituality. The skilled hands that shaped this wood have woven a story of cosmic order, divine peace, and enduring creation.

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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