Garuda Altar Desk from Nepal (Tibetan Buddhist)

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MADE IN INDIA.

Garuda Altar Desk from Nepal (Tibetan Buddhist)

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$412.50

$550

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	ZDF94
	Color on Wood
	Height: 10.6 inch
	Width: 24.2 inch
	Depth: 10.8 inch
	Weight 3.38 kg

Delivery and Return Policies


	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.

A Vessel of Sacred Artistry

This exquisite altar desk, originating from Nepal, is a testament to the vibrant artistry and deep spiritual traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. Crafted from wood and adorned with a rich palette of colors, it serves as a focal point for devotion, meditation, and the respectful housing of sacred objects. Each brushstroke tells a story, imbuing the piece with a profound sense of history and cultural significance.

Symbolism and the Divine

The design of this altar desk is steeped in potent symbolism. The central motif on the lid depicts a fierce, yet benevolent, guardian face, reminiscent of the wrathful deities found in Tibetan Buddhist iconography. These beings, often depicted with multiple heads and arms, are not inherently malevolent but represent the power of wisdom and compassion to overcome obstacles and negative forces. Their fearsome appearance is a reminder that enlightenment requires the eradication of ignorance and delusion, just as a fierce protector guards a sacred space. The crescent moon beneath the face is often associated with purity and the cyclical nature of existence. The swirling motifs in green and gold surrounding the central image evoke the movement of vital energy or "prana," suggesting a connection to the cosmic flow of the universe.

Guardians of Prosperity and Power

The side panels of the altar desk feature majestic dragons, rendered in striking gold against a vibrant red background. In East Asian and Tibetan cultures, dragons are powerful symbols of strength, wisdom, good fortune, and celestial power. They are believed to be controllers of water and weather, bringing rain vital for agriculture and prosperity. The presence of two dragons facing each other can symbolize balance, harmony, and the overcoming of duality. The swirling clouds surrounding them further emphasize their dominion over the skies and their auspicious nature. The intricate golden border between the lid and the sides, with its repeating floral or star-like motifs, adds an element of regal splendor and protection. The deep red base color is auspicious, symbolizing vitality, prosperity, and warding off evil.

A Functional Masterpiece

Beyond its profound symbolic meaning, this altar desk is a functional piece designed to enhance any spiritual practice. Its surface provides a stable and beautiful platform for displaying statues, thangkas, offerings, and other devotional items. The enclosed lower section offers discreet storage for ritual implements, incense, or other sacred texts, helping to maintain a serene and organized sacred space. The meticulous craftsmanship, evident in the precise lines and the harmonious blending of colors, speaks to the dedication and skill of the artisans who created it. This altar desk is more than just a piece of furniture; it is an invitation to connect with the divine, to embrace the rich heritage of Tibetan Buddhism, and to bring a touch of sacred beauty into your home.

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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