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100% Handmade
100% Handmade
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MADE IN INDIA.

Fine Quality Ashtalakshmi Panel

$2367
$3156
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
ZDA29
South Indian Temple Wood Carving
Height: 60 inch
Width: 31 inch
Depth: 3.2 inch
Weight 34 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.

Embodying Divine Abundance and Prosperity

This magnificent hand-carved wooden panel is a testament to the rich artistic heritage of South India, specifically drawing inspiration from the intricate temple carvings that adorn sacred spaces. It is a profound depiction of the Ashtalakshmi, the eight forms of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, who embodies wealth, prosperity, abundance, and auspiciousness. Each goddess is meticulously rendered, radiating divine grace and power, inviting blessings and good fortune into any environment. The central figure, a majestic representation of Lakshmi herself, is seated upon a blooming lotus, a symbol of purity, spiritual awakening, and cosmic creation. Her multiple arms, a common iconography in Hindu deities, hold various symbolic objects representing different aspects of her blessings. Flanking this central deity are two magnificent elephants, their trunks raised in a gesture of welcome and showering of abundance. In Hindu mythology, elephants are considered symbols of strength, wisdom, and royal power, often associated with the rainy season and the bringing of fertility and prosperity. The depiction of these regal creatures underscores the grand scale of blessings that the Ashtalakshmi panel aims to invoke. The panel is further adorned with the other seven forms of Lakshmi, each uniquely positioned and depicted, representing their specific attributes. From the wealth and material abundance of Adi Lakshmi and Dhana Lakshmi, to the knowledge and courage of Vidya Lakshmi and Dhairya Lakshmi, and the progeny and success offered by Santan Lakshmi and Vijaya Lakshmi, this panel encompasses a holistic spectrum of divine blessings. The inclusion of Yoga Lakshmi, who grants spiritual peace and liberation, completes the divine ensemble, offering a path to inner contentment alongside material well-being. The intricate detailing, from the delicate folds of the divine garments to the elaborate floral motifs and the serene expressions on the faces of the goddesses, speaks of the master craftsmanship and devotion poured into its creation.

A Masterpiece of South Indian Wood Carving Tradition

This panel is a fine example of South Indian temple wood carving, a craft that has been honed over centuries. The tradition is deeply rooted in religious and cultural practices, where such carvings were not merely decorative but served as integral parts of temple architecture and as objects of devotion. The wood itself is chosen for its durability and ability to hold intricate detail, allowing the artisans to translate their spiritual visions into tangible forms. The artistry displayed in this panel reflects the deep understanding of iconography and the aesthetic principles that define this ancient art form. The rhythmic flow of the carving, the balanced composition, and the sheer scale of the work all contribute to its commanding presence, making it a truly captivating piece for any collector or devotee seeking to infuse their space with divine energy and artistic brilliance. The central circular motif featuring a peacock further enhances the aesthetic appeal, as the peacock is often associated with beauty, royalty, and divine grace in Indian culture.

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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