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Youthful Nair Woman With Pooja-Thali

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Name: Youthful Nair Woman With Pooja-Thali
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: XT01
Price: 730.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$684.75

$913

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

A strikingly lovely Nair woman gazes sweetly at your direction. She is formed in superb proportions: slender shoulders tapering down to a small waist, and wide-set hips. Her saree is wrapped tightly from above the bust downwards, revealing long, supple arms. A perfectly round face studded with soft features and characterised by gentle angles.

The image of the beauteous Nari woman is a legacy of Raja Ravi Varma, the great 19th-century painter. From the drape of the saree to the way the hair is gathered atop her head, everything about this murti draws from the iconic Nair Lady Adorning Her Hair painting by Varma. In this composition, however, she stands bearing a small plateful of flowers, probably as an offering to the deities of her clan.

The sculpture that you see on this page is made from cedarwood. It is a relatively soft medium to work with, even in the organic class, and may bear a faint scent with passing undertones of balsamic-camphoraceous. As such, the medium adds to the ethos of the Nair woman composition. Finally, the characteristic washed-out colour of the medium adds to the aesthetic of the work.

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Specifications

	XT01
	White Cedar Wood Statue from Trivandrum (Kerala)
	Height: 27.5 inch
	Width: 11 inch
	Depth: 8.5 inch
	Weight 3.29 kg

Delivery and Return Policies


	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.

A Glimpse of Kerala's Devotion: The Pooja-Thali Nair Woman

This exquisite white cedar wood statue, meticulously carved by artisans from Trivandrum, Kerala, offers a profound glimpse into the spiritual heart of South India. Standing at an impressive height, it captures the essence of a young Nair woman in a moment of devotion, gracefully holding a pooja-thali. The artistry lies not just in the rendering of the human form but in the subtle yet powerful details that speak volumes about tradition, faith, and cultural heritage. The figure's posture is one of serene elegance. Her draped garment, rendered with flowing lines and intricate folds, evokes the traditional attire of the region, suggesting a sense of modesty and grace. The delicate carving of her facial features, with a gentle smile and a serene expression, conveys a deep inner peace. Her hair is artfully styled in a traditional bun, a common practice among Nair women, often adorned with flowers for special occasions. The bangles on her wrists and the necklace around her neck add further authenticity to the depiction.

The Significance of the Pooja-Thali

The central element of this sculpture is the pooja-thali, a sacred plate used in Hindu rituals. This thali, depicted in the woman's outstretched hand, would traditionally contain various items essential for worship, such as lamps (diyas), flowers, incense, and offerings. The act of presenting the pooja-thali is a significant gesture of reverence and devotion. In many Indian households, the lighting of the lamp during aarti (a ritual of worship involving waving lamps) is a daily practice, believed to dispel darkness and invite divine blessings. This statue beautifully encapsulates that sacred ritual, allowing the viewer to connect with the deep-seated spiritual practices that are integral to Indian culture.

Artistry and Cultural Resonance

The use of white cedar wood is characteristic of the craftsmanship found in Kerala. This wood, known for its fine grain and natural aroma, is favoured by sculptors for its ability to hold intricate details. The smooth finish of the statue, achieved through patient sanding and polishing, enhances the natural beauty of the wood and the delicate carvings. The overall aesthetic speaks to the rich artistic traditions of the region, where wood carving has been a revered art form for centuries, often used to create deities, mythological figures, and representations of daily life. This statue is more than just a decorative piece; it is a storyteller. It evokes images of temple rituals, family prayers, and the unwavering faith that permeates the lives of many in India. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of Indian art and spirituality, a piece that can bring a sense of peace, beauty, and cultural connection to any space it adorns. The craftsmanship, the subject matter, and the inherent spiritual symbolism combine to create a truly remarkable work of 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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