The chhavi (image) of the Buddha captured in this sculpture subsumes all of that. All of the suffering that had stained the now pacified citta, the pleasure and the pain alike. He is now steeped in profound contemplation, perfectly withdrawn into the infinitude of samadhi. His legs are gathered in a fine padmasana and a hand rests on His lap, the palm of which faces skyward in keeping with the traditional contemplative stance of Indian yogis. With the other hand, He extends His sparsha (touch) to the bhoomi (earth) beneath Him, calling upon it as witness to His Enlightenment.
Carved from a block of pure homegrown wood, the composition is a deep earthy monotone. Perfect symmetry pervades the Buddha’s shoulders and limbs, from the thoroughly immersed countenance to the lotus pedestal He is seated on. The sheer skill of the sculptor could be deduced from the frontal curvature of the figure’s abdomen and the finesse of the digits.
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.
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.
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist