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100% Handmade
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MADE IN INDIA.

Lady Drummer of Lord Indra's Court

$1500
$2000
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
EE39
South Indian Temple Wood Carving
Height: 36.5 inch
Width: 15 inch
Depth: 7 inch
Weight 13.09 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 Symphony of Wood and Spirit

Behold a breathtaking piece of South Indian artistry: a hand-carved wooden sculpture that captures the energy and grace of a celestial musician. This exquisite creation, originating from the temple carving traditions of South India, brings a touch of the divine to any space. Every detail, from the elegant pose to the intricate jewelry, tells a story of devotion and craftsmanship passed down through generations. Imagine the echoes of ancient hymns and the vibrant colours of temple festivals resonating from this singular work of art.

Celestial Music

In Hindu mythology, music and dance are integral to the cosmic order and a means to connect with the divine. The celestial court of Indra, the king of the gods, is perpetually filled with the enchanting sounds of music and dance, performed by celestial beings, including the Apsaras and Gandharvas. These celestial musicians and dancers are renowned for their beauty, skill, and ability to evoke powerful emotions through their art. This carving evokes the spirit of these divine performances, suggesting the vital role that music played within the celestial realm. The drum itself, often a double-sided instrument like the one depicted, represents rhythm and balance, essential elements in the harmonious functioning of the universe. The drumming maiden is therefore not simply playing music; she is contributing to the cosmic symphony.

Craftsmanship and Heritage

This captivating sculpture is a testament to the skill and dedication of South Indian artisans. Crafted from wood and imbued with meticulous detail, each curve and contour is brought to life. The statue is finished in rich earth tones, the colours are carefully applied to capture the essence of traditional temple art. The slightly distressed finish adds a touch of antiquity, hinting at the sculpture's deep cultural roots. The art of South Indian temple wood carving is an ancient tradition. Passed down through generations of artisans, it is considered sacred work. These carvings not only adorn temples but also serve as visual narratives of mythological stories and religious beliefs. Owning such a piece is a way to connect with this rich cultural heritage and bring a tangible piece of history into your home.

Displaying Your Treasure

This majestic sculpture stands at 36.5 inches tall, with a width of 15 inches and a depth of 7 inches. It is a commanding presence that will grace any room, altar, or gallery. We advise it is placed prominently where its beauty and craftsmanship can be fully appreciated. The sculpture is more than just a decorative item. It is a conversation starter, a piece of art that invites contemplation and reflection, and a reminder of the rich artistic and spiritual traditions of South India. Let this divine musician's vibrant energy fill your space with rhythm and harmony.

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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