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Vishnu-Lakshmi Panel

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Name: Vishnu-Lakshmi Panel
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZBX31
Price: 1015.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$951.75

$1269

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Notify me when this item is available

Specifications

	ZBX31
	South Indian Temple Wood Carving
	Height: 19 inch
	Width: 45.5 inch
	Depth: 3.5 inch
	Weight 14.94 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 Embrace: A Testament to Prosperity and Protection

This exquisite wooden panel captures a scene of profound spiritual significance, a vibrant tableau depicting the divine union of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Each intricately carved detail speaks to centuries of artistic tradition and devotional practice, bringing the essence of South Indian temple art into your home. The rich, earthy tones and the detailed textures of the wood, a testament to the skill of South Indian temple wood carving, create a piece that is both visually stunning and deeply resonant.

Guardians of the Sacred Realm

Flanking the central divine couple are representations of celestial beings, their forms dynamic and full of grace. These figures, often interpreted as attendants or divine messengers, are rendered with meticulous care, their postures suggesting movement and reverence. Their presence underscores the grandeur of the central deities and hints at the cosmic dance of creation and preservation. In Hindu mythology, celestial attendants often play a crucial role in the divine drama, assisting the gods and goddesses in their cosmic duties and signifying the vastness of the divine court.

Vishnu and Lakshmi: The Supreme Couple

At the heart of the composition, Lord Vishnu, the preserver and protector of the universe, sits serenely beside Goddess Lakshmi, the embodiment of wealth, fortune, and beauty. Lord Vishnu, often depicted with his attributes like the discus and conch shell, is shown in a posture of divine benevolence, his hands raised in blessing. Lakshmi, seated gracefully on a lotus, radiates an aura of abundance and auspiciousness. Their union symbolizes the cosmic balance between masculine energy and feminine power, the inherent duality that governs the universe. In tales, their inseparable bond signifies that material prosperity (Lakshmi) is bestowed by divine grace and order (Vishnu), highlighting the importance of righteousness in attaining true wealth.

Echoes of Ancient Lore

The panel is further adorned with figures and motifs that resonate with ancient Indian iconography. Below the central deities, playful ganas and powerful lions are depicted, often seen in temple architecture as guardians and symbols of strength. The ganas, often depicted as mischievous yet devoted beings, are shown in supporting roles, perhaps representing the earthly realm or the myriad beings that inhabit it, all held aloft and supported by the divine presence. The lions symbolize power, royalty, and courage, guarding the sacred space and reinforcing the divine authority of Vishnu and Lakshmi. The intricate decorative elements, reminiscent of temple carvings, further enhance the sacred atmosphere of the piece.

A Legacy of Craftsmanship

This remarkable piece is a testament to the enduring legacy of South Indian temple wood carving. The artisans, drawing upon generations of knowledge and spiritual devotion, have transformed a block of wood into a narrative of divine grace and cosmic order. Each chisel stroke reveals a deep understanding of form, proportion, and the spiritual essence of the deities. The vibrant, hand-applied colors add another layer of depth and artistry, making this panel a captivating centerpiece that invites contemplation and reverence. It is more than just a decorative object; it is a conduit to the divine, a tangible connection to the rich tapestry of Indian mythology and art.

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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