Standing Karttikeya With The Gracious Peacock Behind

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100% Handmade

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MADE IN INDIA.

Standing Karttikeya With The Gracious Peacock Behind

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Name: Standing Karttikeya With The Gracious Peacock Behind
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZEO755
Price: 765.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$956

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Notify me when this item is available

Specifications

	ZEO755
	Cedar Wood from Trivandrum (Kerala)
	Height: 22 inch
	Width: 3.2 inch
	Depth: 12 inch
	Weight 3.86 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 Presence of Skanda, Lord of War

This exquisite wooden carving embodies the majestic presence of Karttikeya, the Hindu god of war, also known as Skanda or Murugan. Crafted from fragrant cedar wood sourced from the verdant landscapes of Trivandrum, Kerala, this statue is a testament to the artisanal skill of Indian woodcarvers. The inherent warmth and subtle grain of the wood lend a natural beauty and an aura of antiquity to the divine figure. Karttikeya stands tall, his posture radiating strength and benevolent authority. He is depicted with multiple arms, a common iconography symbolizing his immense power and multifaceted abilities. One hand is raised in the 'abhaya mudra,' offering protection and reassurance to his devotees. His serene countenance, adorned with a divine tilak, speaks of his divine wisdom and unwavering resolve. Elaborate necklaces and intricately carved garments cascade over his form, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail by the artisan. The drapery flows with a lifelike quality, suggesting movement and grace.

The Peacock, His Celestial Steed

Dominating the composition is the magnificent peacock, the divine 'vahana' or mount of Karttikeya. In Hindu mythology, the peacock is a symbol of beauty, grace, and power. It is said that the peacock's colorful plumage represents the diverse forms of the cosmos, and its piercing cry can dispel evil. Karttikeya's association with the peacock signifies his dominion over all creatures and his ability to overcome darkness and ignorance. The peacock in this carving is rendered with remarkable artistry, its feathers fanned out in a display of regal splendor. Its proud posture and alert gaze complement the divine energy of Karttikeya himself. The peacock holds a divine 'vel' (spear) in its beak, a potent weapon associated with Karttikeya, further emphasizing their inseparable bond and shared purpose.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

Skanda is revered as the commander of the celestial armies, the vanquisher of demons, and the embodiment of courage and selfless service. Tales from the Puranas recount his miraculous birth from the seed of Lord Shiva and his upbringing by the Pleiades (Krittikas), hence his name. He is a deity worshipped for strength, victory, and overcoming obstacles. This statue serves as a powerful focal point for meditation and prayer, invoking the virtues of courage, discipline, and righteous leadership. The presence of Karttikeya and his vibrant peacock companion brings a sense of divine protection, spiritual invigoration, and a reminder of the eternal battle between good and evil, where virtue ultimately triumphs.

A Masterpiece of Craftsmanship

The cedar wood, renowned for its durability and aromatic properties, has been transformed by skilled hands into a divine masterpiece. The carving showcases a remarkable understanding of form, texture, and proportion. From the delicate curves of the peacock's feathers to the serene expression on Karttikeya's face, every element has been meticulously shaped. The natural tones of the wood are enhanced by a subtle polish, highlighting the depth and intricacy of the carving. This statue is not merely an object of worship but a significant piece of art that will enrich any space with its spiritual aura and aesthetic appeal.

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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