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The Ten Incarnations of Vishnu (Shri Rama Avatara)

$492
$656
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
EP15
South Indian Temple Wood CarvingArtist: R. Chellappan
Height: 24 inch
Width: 9 inch
Depth: 4 inch
Weight 4 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 40 days
Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
Free Delivery
Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Divine Depiction

Behold this exquisite South Indian temple wood carving, a manifestation of devotion and artistic mastery. This piece depicts one of the most revered avatars of Vishnu, created with intricate detail by artist R. Chellappan. More than just a decorative piece, this carving serves as a potent reminder of righteousness, duty, and the triumph of good over evil. Its presence is believed to bring blessings of courage, strength, and prosperity to the home. The warm tones of the wood lend a sense of serenity and ancient wisdom to the figure, evoking the spiritual atmosphere found within the sacred halls of South Indian temples. Place this sacred artwork in your home or office as a focal point for meditation, reflection, or simply as a statement of your spiritual values.

The Legend of Rama

Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu, is not merely a deity, but an ideal. His life, immortalized in the epic Ramayana, is a saga of unwavering commitment to dharma (righteous conduct), unwavering devotion to duty, and the profound love that binds him to his consort, Sita. Born as a prince of Ayodhya, Rama's story begins with his exile into the forest, a period marked by trials, tribulations, and the unwavering pursuit of justice. The Ramayana chronicles Rama's epic journey – his encounters with sages and demons, his alliance with Hanuman and the monkey army, and his ultimate confrontation with Ravana, the ten-headed demon king of Lanka who abducted Sita. Rama’s victory over Ravana symbolizes the eternal battle between good and evil, light and darkness, and underscores the importance of upholding moral principles even in the face of adversity. His story is a timeless tale of devotion, loyalty, courage, and the unwavering triumph of righteousness. Even today, Rama's name is invoked as a mantra for protection, strength, and inner peace. This carving offers you an opportunity to bring the spirit of Rama into your life, reminding you of the power of integrity and the importance of living a life guided by dharma.

Artisan Craftsmanship

Carved from a single piece of wood, this statue exemplifies the rich artistic heritage of South Indian temple sculpture. The meticulous detail, from the folds of the garments to the ornaments adorning the deity, speaks to the skill and devotion of the artisan. The piece measures 24.0 x 9.0 x 4.0 inches making it an ideal display on a wall. Its presence is not just an aesthetic enhancement but also a connection to the centuries-old traditions of spiritual artistry and cultural legacy. This is not just a statue; it's a tangible link to the heart of South Indian artistic and spiritual traditions.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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