Fecundity and
auspiciousness are virtues that birth and sustain the universe, a divine symbol
of which is Devi Lakshmi and the celestial cow Kamadhenu. As a manifestation of
the goddess Earth, who is an aspect of the goddess Sri Lakshmi, Kamadhenu is
associated with the Hindu goddess of wealth as an extension of her cosmic
powers. This wooden wall panel brings the ancient and sacred iconography of
Hindu temples to your space, with twin images of Kamadhenu flanking the form of
Devi Lakshmi as “Gajalakshmi”.
Two Gaja or
elephants, symbols of royalty and a representation of the rain-filled clouds
that nurture the earth, offer obeisance to the great mother, whose benevolence
manifests in the world as the fecundity of the earth and luxury of life.
Detailed delineation and traditional colors fill a divine aura in this
horizontally laid wall panel, a source of fortune and bliss wherever it is
placed.
An Emblem of Prosperity and Divine Grace
This exquisite wooden wall panel is a masterpiece of traditional Indian artistry, bringing a sense of auspiciousness and divine presence to any space. The central figure, a depiction of Goddess Lakshmi, is rendered with serene grace, seated upon a blooming lotus. Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, fortune, and prosperity, is a beloved deity in Hinduism, revered for her ability to bestow abundance and well-being upon her devotees. Her presence is often associated with the turning of the seasons and the flourishing of life.The Symbolism of the Gaja Lakshmi Motif
The motif of Lakshmi flanked by elephants, known as "Gaja Lakshmi," is one of the oldest and most potent symbols of prosperity in Indian iconography. Elephants, in Hindu tradition, are seen as embodiments of strength, royalty, and purity, and their association with Lakshmi signifies the majestic and abundant flow of wealth. In ancient mythology, it is believed that when Lakshmi emerged from the ocean during the cosmic churning (Samudra Manthan), she was bathed by two celestial elephants, thus establishing this powerful visual association. The elephants in this panel, with their regal bearing and decorative trappings, further enhance the aura of opulence and divine favor.Guardians of the Sacred Realm
Flanking the central Gaja Lakshmi motif are intricately carved mythical creatures, winged beings with leonine bodies and human torsos. These beings, reminiscent of celestial guardians, evoke a sense of protection and warding off negative influences. Their presence adds a layer of ancient mystique and spiritual depth to the panel, suggesting that this representation is not merely decorative but a potent symbol meant to invoke blessings and safeguard the home. These mythical figures, often found in temple architecture and ancient texts, serve to reinforce the sacred and protective nature of the overall composition.A Timeless Piece of Craftsmanship
Carved from rich, sturdy wood, this large wall panel is a testament to the skill and dedication of the artisan. The detailed carvings, combined with subtle yet vibrant colors, bring the figures to life, inviting contemplation and admiration. The weathered finish adds to its authentic charm, making it appear as if it has graced sacred spaces for generations. This piece is more than just a decorative item; it is a conduit to ancient traditions, a visual prayer for prosperity, and a beautiful reminder of the divine in our everyday lives. Its substantial size ensures it will be a captivating focal point, enriching any room with its spiritual and aesthetic appeal.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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