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100% Handmade

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MADE IN INDIA.

Large Size A Lady Applying Vermilion

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$1625

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Specifications

	ZBF71
	South Indian Temple Wood Carving
	Height: 36 inch
	Width: 14.5 inch
	Depth: 3.5 inch
	Weight 8.20 kg

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.

A Vision of Divine Grace and Timeless Beauty

This exquisite wood carving, hailing from the rich artistic traditions of South India, captures a moment of profound grace and devotion. The figure depicted is a lady, poised in a dance-like posture, her hands gracefully adorned with jewelry. Her gaze is serene, and her posture speaks of both strength and fluidity, reminiscent of the ancient Indian performing arts. The intricate detailing of her garments, the delicate ornamentation, and the overall composition evoke a sense of spiritual and aesthetic depth. The artistry evident in this piece is a testament to the skill of South Indian temple woodcarvers, whose craft has been honed over centuries. These artisans draw inspiration from the sacred narratives and divine iconography that form the bedrock of Hinduism. The carving style, characterized by its dynamic lines and expressive forms, often finds its home in the ornamentation of temples and ritual spaces, where it serves to deepen the devotee's connection to the divine.

Echoes of Myth and Culture

The act of applying vermilion, a vibrant red pigment derived from cinnabar, holds deep cultural and religious significance in Indian traditions. It is traditionally worn by married women as a symbol of their marital status and is believed to bring prosperity and well-being. In a broader spiritual context, vermilion is also associated with the divine feminine energy, particularly with Goddesses like Durga and Lakshmi, who are often depicted with vermilion markings. The woman's gesture of applying vermilion can be interpreted as an act of self-adoration, a moment of personal ritual, or even a depiction of a celestial dancer adorning herself before a divine performance. The surrounding foliage and the presence of birds and a deer further enrich the narrative of the carving. In Indian mythology, nature is often intertwined with divine stories. Birds, such as peacocks and parrots, are frequently seen as messengers or companions of deities, symbolizing beauty, fertility, and joy. The deer, a creature known for its grace and gentle nature, can represent purity, innocence, and the wild, untamed aspects of the natural world. These elements weave a tapestry of symbolism, suggesting that the lady's presence is not merely earthly but is touched by the divine and the natural world in harmony. The overall scene resonates with the spirit of festivals, celebrations, and the vibrant life force that pulsates through the heart of Indian culture.

A Masterpiece of South Indian Woodcraft

This substantial carving is a significant piece, designed to make a statement wherever it is displayed. The rich, earthy tones of the wood, enhanced by carefully applied pigments, bring the intricate details to life. The deep carving technique employed allows for a remarkable play of light and shadow, adding to the dimensionality and realism of the figures. Each element, from the texture of the bark on the tree to the individual feathers of the birds, has been rendered with meticulous care. This carving is not just an object of art but a window into a rich cultural heritage, a piece that will undoubtedly become a treasured centerpiece in any collection.

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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