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The Warrior God Karttikeya (Wall Hanging)

$198.75
$265
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
ZEJ71
South Indian Temple Wood Carving
Height: 18 inch
Width: 9.5 inch
Depth: 1.6 inch
Weight 2 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 of the Warrior God

Invite the powerful presence of Lord Karttikeya into your home with this exquisite South Indian temple wood carving. This wall hanging captures the divine energy and spiritual significance of the Hindu deity, revered as the god of war and the commander of the celestial armies. Crafted with meticulous detail, this piece is more than just a decorative item; it is a testament to ancient artistic traditions and a gateway to profound spiritual contemplation. The intricate carving showcases the god in his iconic form, radiating strength and grace.

The Legend of Skanda

Lord Karttikeya, also known as Skanda or Murugan, is a central figure in Hindu mythology, celebrated for his valor and wisdom. Born of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, he was raised by the Pleiades (Krittikas), hence his name Karttikeya. His life is replete with tales of his courage, including his epic battle against the demon Taraka, whom he vanquished to restore cosmic order. He is often depicted with six heads, symbolizing his omniscience, and rides a majestic peacock, his vahana, which represents the destruction of ego and vanity. The vel, his divine spear, symbolizes knowledge and the ability to overcome obstacles. This carving beautifully embodies these attributes, presenting a powerful yet serene portrayal of the beloved deity.

Artistry and Cultural Heritage

This wall hanging is a remarkable example of South Indian temple wood carving, a craft that has been passed down through generations. The vibrant colors and elaborate ornamentation speak to the rich artistic heritage of the region, where such carvings are integral to temple architecture and devotional practices. Each stroke of the chisel brings forth a sense of divine artistry, reflecting the artisans' deep understanding and reverence for the subject matter. The rich, earthy tones and the detailed rendering of textures and forms create a truly captivating piece that will be a focal point in any space. The intricate floral motifs and architectural elements surrounding the deity further enhance its visual appeal, evoking the grandeur of sacred temples.

A Symbol of Strength and Auspiciousness

Displaying this wood carving is believed to invite strength, courage, and protection into your life. Lord Karttikeya is invoked to overcome challenges, foster discipline, and attain victory. His presence is considered highly auspicious, promoting harmony and well-being. This piece serves as a constant reminder of the divine power that resides within and around us, encouraging a spirit of resilience and inner fortitude. It is an ideal addition to prayer rooms, meditation spaces, or any area where you seek to cultivate an atmosphere of peace and spiritual elevation. Its substantial size ensures it makes a significant statement, drawing the eye and inspiring reverence.

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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