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Ganesha on Sheshanaga

$806.25
$1075
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
EG22
South Indian Temple Wood Carving
Weight 7.70 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.

A Divine South Indian Masterpiece

This exquisitely crafted wooden statue originates from the skilled artisans of South India, a region renowned for its rich temple traditions and mastery of wood carving. The statue represents a profound fusion of divine energies, rendered in meticulous detail that speaks to centuries of artistic and spiritual heritage. You can almost feel the dedication and devotion that went into bringing this sacred image to life. This is more than just a decorative piece; it's a tangible connection to the vibrant tapestry of Hindu mythology. The aged colour of this piece gives it an authentic timeless appeal.

Lord Ganesha: The Remover of Obstacles

Central to the statue is Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity, beloved as the remover of obstacles, the bestower of wisdom, and the patron of arts and sciences. His portly form and single tusk (ekadanta) are instantly recognizable. The trunk, often depicted holding a sweet, signifies his love for simple pleasures and his accessibility to all. Ganesha is typically invoked at the beginning of any new endeavor, be it a journey, a business venture, or an artistic creation. By propitiating him, devotees seek to ensure success and ward off any impediments along their path. In his four arms, Ganesha can carry several objects including a Modak which is a Indian sweet, and an axe, a symbol to cut off all bonds of attachment.

The Serpent King: Sheshanaga

The majesty of Ganesha is magnified by the presence of Sheshanaga, the multi-headed serpent king, who is often seen as an important support. Sheshanaga is depicted as an immense serpent who represents the primordial cosmic waters and serves as the bed for Lord Vishnu during the periods between creation and destruction. Shesha’s many heads are a symbol of the infinite nature of time and the cyclical nature of existence. The multiple heads protect and shelter Ganesh like an umbrella and provides an ethereal aura. The depiction of Ganesha atop Sheshanaga is a testament to the inter-connectedness of all things. It symbolizes the control of wisdom over the vast and sometimes chaotic forces of nature and the ability to navigate the challenges of life with strength and grace.

Craftsmanship and Artistic Significance

Each curve and contour of this statue is a testament to the skill of South Indian artisans. Carved from quality wood, the statue is likely to exhibit the characteristics of temple art – rich in detail, balanced in proportion, and imbued with symbolic meaning. Placement of a statue like this in your home or office provides an atmosphere of serenity and mindfulness. Let it be a reminder of the power to overcome obstacles, the wisdom to make sound decisions, and the infinite possibilities that lie ahead.

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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