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MADE IN INDIA.

Karttikeya - Hindu War God

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$236

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Specifications

	ZAQ41
	White Cedar Wood from Trivandrum (Kerala)
	Height: 15.5 inch
	Width: 6 inch
	Depth: 3 inch
	Weight 570 gm

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 35 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.

The Divine Commander: A Masterpiece of Kartikeya

Embodying strength, valor, and divine protection, this exquisite wood carving depicts Kartikeya, the Hindu god of war. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail from pristine white cedar wood sourced from the lush forests of Trivandrum, Kerala, this statue is a testament to the rich tradition of Indian artistry. The wood, known for its fine grain and natural beauty, has been expertly shaped by skilled artisans to bring forth the divine form of the celestial general. Kartikeya, also known as Murugan or Skanda, is a prominent deity in Hinduism, revered as the commander-in-chief of the celestial armies. Born of the god Shiva and the goddess Parvati, his very conception was a divine intervention to vanquish the demon Taraka and his associates, who had tormented the gods and humanity. His story is replete with tales of his bravery, his unwavering determination, and his role as a protector against evil. He is often depicted with six heads, symbolizing his command over the six senses, and riding a peacock, his divine vahana (mount), which represents the vanquishing of ego and pride. This carving captures Kartikeya in a posture of authority and grace. He stands firmly, his stance exuding confidence and readiness. In his hand, he holds the Vel, his divine spear, a symbol of his power and the vanquisher of ignorance. The intricate details of his attire, from the ornate necklaces to the flowing dhoti, are rendered with remarkable precision, showcasing the artisan's deep understanding of classical Indian iconography. The serene yet powerful expression on his face invites contemplation and invokes a sense of peace and protection. The presence of his loyal mount, the peacock, at his feet, further accentuates his divine dominion and his role as a protector against malevolent forces.

A Symbol of Victory and Spiritual Discipline

The veneration of Kartikeya extends beyond his martial prowess. He is also a symbol of spiritual discipline, detachment, and the pursuit of knowledge. His devotees seek his blessings for courage in facing life's challenges, for success in endeavors, and for inner strength to overcome obstacles. In Tamil Nadu, where he is particularly revered as Murugan, grand festivals are celebrated in his honor, drawing millions of devotees who sing hymns and offer prayers, seeking his divine grace. This statue serves as a tangible connection to these ancient traditions and the spiritual significance of this beloved deity. The white cedar wood, known for its aromatic qualities and resistance to decay, lends an enduring essence to this artwork. The natural light hue of the wood enhances the subtle carvings, allowing the intricate details to be admired from every angle. This piece is not merely a decorative item; it is a sacred representation, a conduit for devotion, and a beautiful reminder of the timeless tales of divine heroism and spiritual aspiration. Whether placed in a home altar, a meditation space, or as a striking accent in any room, this Kartikeya statue radiates an aura of divine presence and artistic excellence.

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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