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.

Ganesha Panel

Email

Whatsapp

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Copy link

$3431.25

$4575

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Notify me when this item is available

Specifications

	EB98
	South Indian Temple Wood Carving
	78" X 23.5" X 3.5"
	Weight 40 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 40 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.

Auspicious Beginnings

Invite the blessings of Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the harbinger of success, into your home with this magnificent panel. A testament to the rich artistic traditions of South India, this piece encapsulates the essence of temple art. Each carving tells a story, each detail echoing the devotion and skill of generations of artisans. The panel showcases Ganesha in various forms, capturing his playful nature, wisdom, and divine power. Imagine this remarkable carving gracing your entryway, infusing your space with positive energy and acting as a constant reminder to approach life's challenges with courage and grace.

The Elephant-Headed God: Myth and Meaning

Ganesha, also known as Ganapati and Vinayaka, holds a prominent place in the Hindu pantheon. He is revered as the lord of beginnings, the patron of arts and sciences, and the deva of intellect and wisdom. The stories surrounding his birth and form are rich and varied. One popular tale recounts how Parvati, the consort of Shiva, created Ganesha from sandalwood paste to guard her door. Shiva, unaware of Ganesha's origins, beheaded him in a fit of rage. Parvati, devastated, demanded that Shiva restore Ganesha to life. Shiva, in his compassion, replaced Ganesha's head with that of an elephant, thus giving him his distinctive form. Ganesha's large ears are said to symbolize his ability to listen attentively to devotees' prayers, his trunk represents adaptability and efficiency, and his single tusk signifies his willingness to overcome obstacles to achieve his goals. He is often depicted with a modaka (sweet dumpling) in his hand, representing the rewards of spiritual pursuit. Ganesha's vahana (mount) is the humble mouse, Mushika, symbolizing the control over desires and the ability to overcome even the smallest of obstacles.

A Legacy of South Indian Artistry

This impressive panel is a stunning example of South Indian temple wood carving. South India boasts a rich tradition of wood carving, with temples serving as the primary patrons and workshops for these skilled artisans. Passed down through generations, the techniques and motifs used in this art form reflect the deep cultural and religious heritage of the region. The carvings are characterized by their intricate details, vibrant colors, and the depiction of Hindu deities and mythological figures. Crafted with exceptional care and precision, this wood carving is not only a beautiful work of art but also a reflection of the cultural values and spiritual beliefs of South India.

Timeless Dimensions

With dimensions of 78" X 23.5" X 3.5", this temple carving will serve as a grand focal point in any setting.

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