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Fully Insured
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100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

Wooden Gajalakshmi Wall Hanging Panel - Carving with South India Temple Wood

$233.25
$311
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes

Gajalakshmi, the embodiment of prosperity and grace, is seated serenely upon a resplendent lotus, a symbol of purity and prosperity. In her upper hands, she cradles two lotus blossoms, blooming with enchanting elegance. Her right hand extends in the Abhaya Mudra”, bestowing the gift of fearlessness upon her devotees, while her left hand graciously offers blessings in the Varada Mudra”. As two majestic elephants tenderly drape fragrant garlands around her, this wooden wall panel comes alive with intricate carvings, reminiscent of the temples in the heart of South India. This radiant manifestation of divine grace and artistry captures the essence of opulence and spirituality in this mesmerising art piece.

Specifications
ZEJ29
South Indian Temple Wood Carving
Height: 11.5 inch
Width: 24 inch
Depth: 1.6 inch
Weight 2.85 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.

Embrace Auspicious Beginnings with Gajalakshmi

Invite prosperity, good fortune, and abundance into your home with this exquisite wooden wall hanging panel, meticulously carved with the divine form of Gajalakshmi. This piece is a testament to the rich artistic heritage of South India, with each intricate detail rendered by skilled artisans using time-honored techniques. The wood itself carries the essence of sacred spaces, having been sourced from temples, imbuing the artwork with a spiritual gravitas that transcends mere decoration.

The Goddess of Fortune and Elephants

Gajalakshmi, meaning "Goddess of Elephants and Lakshmi," is a powerful and revered depiction of Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, fortune, love, and beauty. She is often portrayed seated on a lotus, flanked by two elephants, one on either side. In this captivating carving, the central figure of Gajalakshmi is serene and radiant, her hands held in blessings, offering her divine grace. The elephants, majestic and adorned, pour water over her, symbolizing purification, abundance, and the bestowal of blessings. This imagery draws from ancient myths where elephants were seen as symbols of rain, clouds, and thus, fertility and prosperity, essential elements for a flourishing life. The presence of elephants also signifies royal dignity and strength.

A Heritage of Craftsmanship

This wall hanging is more than just an object of beauty; it's a piece of living history. The art of temple wood carving in South India is an ancient tradition, passed down through generations. These carvings were historically integral to the architecture and decoration of Hindu temples, adorning pillars, ceilings, and gateways, telling stories and inviting devotees into a spiritual dialogue. The vibrant, hand-painted colors – rich reds, deep greens, and brilliant golds – are applied with a deliberate artistry that highlights the contours of the carving, bringing the scene to life. Each stroke tells a story, from the delicate petals of the lotus on which the Goddess sits to the regal headdresses of the elephants.

Divine Presence for Your Dwelling

Whether placed in your living room, pooja room, or entryway, this Gajalakshmi panel serves as a powerful focal point, radiating positive energy. It is believed that inviting Gajalakshmi into one's home attracts wealth, success, and well-being. This piece is not merely a decorative item but an embodiment of auspiciousness and divine blessings. It is a beautiful way to connect with ancient traditions and imbue your living space with a sense of spiritual richness and artistic sophistication. The inherent quality of the temple wood and the skilled craftsmanship ensure that this is an heirloom piece, destined to be cherished for years to come.

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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