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Shiva the Ascetic

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Name: Shiva the Ascetic
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: EF56
Price: 870.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$816

$1088

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Notify me when this item is available

Specifications

	EF56
	White Marble Sculpture
	Height: 1.5 ft
	Width: 0.8 ft
	Depth: 0.4 ft
	Weight 10 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.

Welcome to the "Stone Statues > Marble" section of our store. Allow us to introduce you to a captivating representation of one of Hinduism's most revered deities.

The Embodiment of Paradox

This exquisitely crafted sculpture captures the essence of Shiva, a god of multifaceted power and profound spiritual significance. Fashioned from pure white marble, this piece stands 1.5 feet tall, 0.8 feet wide, and 0.4 feet deep, making it a striking focal point for any space. Shiva, often referred to as the Destroyer, is a central figure in the Hindu trinity (Trimurti), alongside Brahma the Creator and Vishnu the Preserver. However, "Destroyer" is a simplification, as Shiva’s role extends far beyond mere annihilation. He is the force that dissolves the old, making way for the new – a necessary process of transformation and regeneration. Shiva is the master of paradoxes. He is both the benevolent householder, a loving husband and father, and the detached ascetic, lost in perpetual meditation. He is the source of both creation and destruction, holding the universe in a delicate balance.

Iconography and Symbolism

Notice the intricate details that adorn this sculpture. A cobra, Vasuki, coils around Shiva's neck. In Hindu mythology, Vasuki assisted the Devas and Asuras in churning the ocean of milk to produce Amrita, the elixir of immortality. The snake itself is a symbol of kundalini energy, the primal life force that lies dormant within us, waiting to be awakened through spiritual practice. The tiger skin around Shiva’s waist signifies control over desire and the animalistic aspects of human nature. Shiva is often depicted with a third eye on his forehead, a symbol of wisdom, insight, and the ability to see beyond the superficial. When opened, this eye is said to emit fire capable of incinerating anything that stands in its path. The crescent moon adorning his matted hair represents the cyclical nature of time and the waxing and waning of life. The Ganga, the sacred river, flows from his hair, signifying purification and the power to cleanse negativity. In one hand, he holds the Trishul, the trident, a powerful weapon symbolizing the three aspects of Shiva – creation, preservation, and destruction. With his other hand, he makes the Abhaya Mudra, a gesture of reassurance and fearlessness, offering protection to his devotees. The water pot he carries suggests his role as a healer and provider. This marble sculpture is not simply an object of art; it is a tangible representation of profound spiritual concepts, inviting reflection and contemplation. Whether you are a seasoned devotee or simply appreciate the beauty and symbolism of Hindu art, this sculpture of Shiva will bring a sense of serenity and power to your home or sacred space.

How to clean and maintain marble statues?

Marble has been a preferred material for sculptors and artists for more than a thousand years. It is a rock that undergoes metamorphism which causes recrystallization of the original carbonate mineral grains. Marble comes in various colors, designs, and dimensions. Pure white marble is the most preferred type of marble for making sculptures and statues since time immemorial. White marble is especially used for sculpting stone monumental sculptures since ancient times. The natural shine and luster of the carbonate crystals of white marble give a lavish and beautiful appearance to the statue.

Marble stone statues are highly durable and can even withstand harsh weather conditions without getting corroded, therefore, they can be kept indoors or outdoors without getting damaged or weathered. Although these statues can last for many decades, their regular care and cleaning are essential to increase their longevity and beautiful appearance.

The simplest and basic way of cleaning a marble stone statue is to clear away dirt accumulated on the surface. Outdoor statues are especially prone to biological growth and dirt build-up that may take away their natural beauty. You may rinse the statue with warm water and mild soap to clean the dirt as much as possible. You can use a sponge or cotton cloth to scrape off dirt accumulated in crevices and cracks.

You must never allow water to stand on the surface of the statue for a long time. Standing water gets absorbed by the marble’s porous surface which results in its discoloration. Therefore, it is always recommended to dry-clean the statue with a towel or damp cloth.

Applying beeswax, a non-toxic product, on the surface of the marble statue offers protection against staining, dirt, and pollutants. It also polishes the surface and gives a natural shine to the statue.

Marble statues need periodical cleaning to maintain their flawless look. However, harsh and deep cleaning can result in making the statue look dull. If your marble statue is withering away, it is recommended to take the help of a professional cleaner. Marble is a delicate material and therefore needs proper care.

Marble Mastery Unveiled: The Artisan's Symphony in Sculpting Timeless Beauty

Marble is a soft and delicate metamorphic rock derived from limestone. It is composed mainly of recrystallized carbonate minerals. The appealing appearance of marble gives rise to the making of beautiful sculptures and statues. Jaipur city of Rajasthan, India, is considered the capital of marble carving where various marble idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses are made. These magnificent statues are carved by skilled sculptors out of the purest white marble. The slight softness of white marble makes it easier to be carved and chiseled into any desirable form or shape. Another impressive feature of marble is that the calcite has a low refractive index that allows light to penetrate the stone before getting scattered out. This results in bringing a translucent appearance and luster to the marble sculpture. This is the reason why most sculptors prefer to work with marble for sculpting life-size statues that require intricate details, evoking a certain realism to the work.

There is a detailed or step-by-step process of developing the desired structure of a sculpture from marble stone. These steps are:

1. Clay mould

Most sculptors prefer to sculpt a preliminary model out of clay or wax to translate its complex and intricate details into the final stone sculpture with the use of calipers or a pointing machine. The plasticity of the clay mould helps sculptors capture the success of the final sculpture before carving the stone. The clay is moulded into the desired shape or form and this acts as a rough

2. Roughing out

The second step of carving or sculpting is to remove large portions of unwanted marble stone. This task is done by using a special tool known as a point chisel. The pointed end of this tool is useful for splitting the large stone and removing big chunks that are not wanted. Usually, a mallet (a tool similar to a hammer) is used to transfer energy through the chisel to shatter the stone evenly and accurately.

3. Refining the figure

Once the sculptors have determined the general shape of the sculpture, a toothed chisel or claw chisel is used to refine the stone. These tools create parallel lines in the stone to add texture to the figure. During this stage, the rough block of stone has now changed into the general shape of the sculpture.

4. Adding the details

The sculptor is now ready to carry out detailed work to develop a more refined form of the sculpture. Tools such as rasps and rifflers are then used to enhance the shape into its final form. These tools finely create details such as frills or folds of clothing or locks of hair.

5. Polishing

This is the last step in marble sculpting in which the sculptor uses materials such as sandpaper to bring out a natural sheen to the sculpture. The sandpaper is rubbed against the surface to make it smoother and flawless. Sometimes, tin oxide is also used to make the sculpture appear glossy and more translucent.

Marble sculptures are highly durable and can last for many decades if maintained and taken care of properly. They are also extremely weather-resistant and therefore, can be kept outdoors or indoors. The exquisite beauty of marble statues elevates the aura of the space and emanates positivity all around.