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100% Handmade
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MADE IN INDIA.

Large Size Lady with Mirror (Apsara)

$862.50
$1150
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes

A celestial nymph who oozes the gods and great men with her differential beauty stands on a lotus leaf layered wooden pedestal in a bent curvature of her body; left hand holds a large round mirror, wherein she gazes and feels happy at the infinite grace and love she beholds.

This large size apsara is sculpted in bright and soothing color patterns of green and pink attires complementing the glowing gold plumage of her happy soul. This sculpture is majorly inspired by the erotic carvings of Khajuraho (a world heritage site). You can’t stop praising the mesmerized skill, fineness, and patience of the sculptor, as can be inferred upon by the beautiful dotted green dhoti overlapped by a handsome long kamarband paired with a voluptuous blouse and curvy multicolored strands emerging out from her garbs settle along in absolute charm.

That attractive curve of her lips is an indicator of her as tickling one’s fancy. The lustrous jewels, high tied bun and the flowing hair accessories highlight her slender body in a courteous manner; capturing the viewer’s attention by its large size, skill and lure, this belle statue can be placed at entrances of big halls or in dance or music events as a relatable attraction.

Specifications
ZAQ46
South Indian Temple Wood Carving
Height: 34 inch
Width: 14 inch
Depth: 6 inch
Weight 7.89 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 Vision of Celestial Grace: The Apsara with Mirror

This magnificent South Indian temple wood carving captures the ethereal beauty and divine allure of an Apsara, a celestial dancer in Hindu mythology. Rendered with exquisite detail and vibrant hues, this striking statue brings a touch of ancient grandeur and spiritual artistry into your home. The Apsaras, daughters of the gods, are known for their unparalleled beauty, grace, and musical talent, often depicted in the heavens entertaining deities and celestial beings. They are said to reside in Indra's paradise, where their performances are a spectacle of cosmic joy and divine artistry.

Symbolism and Craftsmanship

The Apsara is depicted in a moment of serene contemplation, holding a circular mirror. This motif of the mirror holds profound symbolism, representing self-reflection, inner beauty, and the transient nature of worldly attractions. In Indian traditions, the act of looking into a mirror can signify introspection, understanding one's true self, or even divine enlightenment. The sculptor's mastery is evident in the delicate rendering of her form, from the intricate jewelry adorning her body – including bangles, necklaces, and anklets – to the flowing lines of her elaborate costume. The rich, earthy tones of orange, accented by verdant greens and touches of gold, evoke a sense of warmth, vitality, and opulence.

A Legacy of South Indian Artistry

This piece is a testament to the rich heritage of South Indian temple wood carving, a tradition that has been passed down through generations. These carvings are not merely decorative objects but are imbued with deep cultural and religious significance, often adorning temple walls and chariots, narrating tales of gods, goddesses, and celestial beings. The skill required to transform a block of wood into such a dynamic and expressive figure is truly remarkable. The artist has expertly captured the subtle curve of her posture, the gentle smile on her lips, and the peaceful expression in her closed eyes, suggesting a moment of profound inner peace.

An Emblem of Beauty and Divinity

The flowing fabrics, the detailed headdress, and the decorative elements around her waist and lower body demonstrate a keen eye for pattern and texture. The way her sari drapes and swirls around her legs adds a sense of movement, as if she is caught in a graceful dance pose. This Apsara embodies the feminine divine, representing beauty, artistry, and spiritual grace. Her presence can bring a sense of calm, inspiration, and a connection to the timeless narratives of Indian mythology into any space. This large-sized carving is a statement piece, perfect for those who appreciate fine art, cultural heritage, and the enduring allure of divine feminine energy.

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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