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36" Large Wooden Dancing Apsara Idol Carrying a Pot

$735.75
$981
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes

Supple in form and exuding heavenliness, this wooden dancing Apsara or heavenly maiden is inspired by the female figures on temple walls, who are symbols of auspiciousness, beauty, youthfulness, and divinity. Adorned with all virtues of pristine femininity and ornamented with jewelry that highlights the gracefulness of her form, the Apsara is surrounded by lush vegetation, that represents spring in nature, caused by the fecund qualities of the Apsara.


Posing her gorgeous form in a dynamic pose, the Apsara extends her left hand upwards, holding a creeper with a bud, creating imagery similar to the popular Shalabhanjika sculptures from ancient sites, where women are seen holding creepers and vines in exquisite poses.


On her curving waist, the Apsara has placed a pot or Ghata which is synonymous with femininity and fertility. Accompanied by birds and monkeys as symbols of blissful life, the Apsara embodies the auspiciousness of femininity, which is transcendentally beautiful.

Specifications
PHD291
Wood
Height: 36 inch
Width: 15 inch
Depth: 4 inch
Weight 9.97 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.

An Embodiment of Celestial Grace and Divine Dance

This magnificent wooden sculpture captures the essence of an Apsara, a celestial nymph from Hindu mythology, in a dynamic dance pose. Standing at an impressive 36 inches tall, this idol is a testament to the intricate artistry and spiritual depth that Indian wood carving is renowned for. The Apsaras are known as celestial dancers and musicians in the courts of the gods, their beauty and grace enchanting both mortals and immortals alike. Tales abound of their role in distracting ascetics from their rigorous penances or gracing important ceremonies with their presence. This particular depiction shows the Apsara carrying a pot, perhaps symbolizing the nectar of immortality (amrita) or the abundance and fertility they are often associated with.

A Symphony of Nature and Mythology

The backdrop of this sculpture is a richly carved arbor, alive with the vibrant energy of nature. Stylized foliage, lush fruits, and a variety of birds create a harmonious and lively environment for the divine dancer. You can almost hear the chirping of the birds and feel the rustling of the leaves as the Apsara moves with fluid elegance. In Hindu mythology, the celestial beings are often depicted in lush, idyllic settings, mirroring the perfection and beauty of the heavens. The inclusion of animals and flora further accentuates the Apsara's connection to the natural world, suggesting a divine harmony that permeates all existence. The detailed craftsmanship extends to the ornamentation on the Apsara herself, with elaborate jewelry, garments, and an intricately styled headdress that speaks to her divine status.

Masterful Craftsmanship and Timeless Appeal

Carved from a single piece of wood, this idol showcases the extraordinary skill of the artisan. Every curve, every detail, from the delicate folds of her attire to the expressive tilt of her head, has been brought to life with precision and passion. The rich, hand-painted colors enhance the visual appeal, bringing out the textures and depths of the carving. The warm earthen tones, accented with vibrant greens and pops of orange and red, create a lively yet sophisticated aesthetic. This Apsara idol is more than just a decorative piece; it is a powerful representation of artistry, spirituality, and the enduring allure of ancient Indian legends. It serves as a captivating focal point for any space, inviting contemplation and admiration for its beauty and the stories it tells.

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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