Dashavatara Panel - The Ten Incarnations of Lord Vishnu

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.

Dashavatara Panel - The Ten Incarnations of Lord Vishnu

Email

Whatsapp

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Copy link

Name: Dashavatara Panel - The Ten Incarnations of Lord Vishnu
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZEO555
Price: 650.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$609.75

$813

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Express Shipping

$50

Express Shipping: Guaranteed Dispatch in 24 hours

Notify me when this item is available

Specifications

	ZEO555
	South Indian Temple Wood Carving
	Height: 37.5 inch
	Width: 15.5 inch
	Depth: 1.7 inch
	Weight 6.90 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 30 days
	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.

Embodying Divine Intervention: The Dashavatara Panel

This exquisite South Indian wood carving is a testament to the rich artistic heritage and profound spiritual beliefs of Hinduism. It masterfully depicts the Dashavatara, the ten principal avatars or incarnations of Lord Vishnu, the preserver and protector of the universe. Each figure is rendered with meticulous detail, showcasing the skill of the artisans who have brought these divine forms to life through the enduring medium of wood. The panel serves not merely as a decorative piece but as a visual narrative of Vishnu's cyclical appearances throughout the ages, each designed to restore cosmic order and vanquish evil. ––––––––––––––––––

A Tapestry of Divine Forms

From the primal Matsya (fish) who saved the Vedas from the cosmic ocean, to the boar Varaha who rescued the Earth from the depths, and the mighty Narsimha (man-lion) who protected his devotee Prahlada, the panel illustrates these legendary transformations. The tranquil sage Vamana, the axe-wielding warrior Parashurama, the just king Rama, the flute-playing Krishna, and the compassionate Buddha are all present, each with their distinct iconography and postures. The final, yet to manifest avatar, Kalki, is often represented at the end of the cycle. The very act of carving these figures embodies the Hindu concept of Samsara, the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, mirrored in Vishnu's descent into the material realm. The intricate detailing, from the headdresses to the flowing garments and the symbolic weapons held, speaks of devotion and artistic mastery passed down through generations, reminiscent of the carvings found adorning ancient temples of South India. ––––––––––––––––––

Craftsmanship Rooted in Tradition

This piece is a quintessential example of South Indian temple wood carving, a tradition characterized by its robustness, intricate patterns, and deep devotional significance. The wood, carefully selected and seasoned, has been worked with a precision that allows the divine figures to emerge with striking clarity. The architectural elements that frame the avatars, such as the ornate borders and decorative motifs, further enhance the visual appeal and echo the architectural styles found in sacred spaces. Such carvings were traditionally integral to temple architecture, serving as visual aids for devotees and as offerings of artistic devotion. Owning this panel brings a piece of this sacred art and its underlying philosophy into your home, a constant reminder of the divine presence and the eternal struggle between good and evil.

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.

Products related to this item