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MADE IN INDIA.

Large Size Urdhva Tandava

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$1828.50

$2438

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Specifications

	ZEO269
	South Indian Temple Wood Carving
	Height: 44.5 inch
	Width: 7.5 inch
	Depth: 28 inch
	Weight 30 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 40 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.

Embodiment of Cosmic Dance and Divine Power

This exquisite wood carving captures the awe-inspiring Urdhva Tandava, a powerful cosmic dance performed by Lord Shiva, the destroyer and transformer of the Hindu pantheon. Rendered in a vibrant blue hue, symbolizing his divine essence and the infinite sky, this sculpture depicts Shiva in a dynamic pose, embodying both fierce energy and serene control. The intricate multi-armed form suggests his omnipresence and multifaceted nature, capable of orchestrating the universe's cycles of creation, preservation, and destruction. The detailing of each limb, the expression of focused intensity on his face, and the subtle gestures of his hands are testament to the masterful South Indian temple wood carving tradition.

A Dance of Destruction and Creation

The Urdhva Tandava is not merely a dance; it is a profound cosmic event. It represents the vigorous dance performed by Shiva to quell the arrogance of demons and adversaries, and to reinstate cosmic order. In many narratives, Shiva performs this dance to subdue the ego and to demonstrate the supremacy of divine power. The presence of a subservient figure beneath Shiva's foot signifies the subjugation of ignorance, ego, and earthly limitations, allowing for spiritual liberation and the unfolding of pure consciousness. The surrounding arch, adorned with floral motifs and a fierce visage at its apex, further amplifies the divine aura and the overwhelming power of the cosmic performance.

Artistry Rooted in Tradition

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this sculpture showcases the rich artistic heritage of South Indian temple wood carving. The wood has been skillfully shaped and painted to bring forth the dynamic movement and spiritual intensity of the Urdhva Tandava. The vibrant color palette, from the striking blue of Shiva to the rich reds, oranges, and greens adorning the base and the arch, is characteristic of traditional temple art, used to evoke spiritual feelings and represent divine attributes. Each element, from the intricately carved patterns on Shiva's attire to the stylized depiction of the demon or apasmara purusha beneath his foot, speaks volumes about the skill and devotion of the artisans who brought this divine form to life. This piece is more than a decorative object; it is a conduit to the profound philosophical and spiritual essence of Hinduism, inviting contemplation on the eternal cycles of existence and the ultimate triumph of divine consciousness.

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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