The Lissome Devi Lakshmi Standing On A Lotus

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The Lissome Devi Lakshmi Standing On A Lotus

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Name: The Lissome Devi Lakshmi Standing On A Lotus
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZCY25
Price: 1030.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$966

$1288

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Because the climate of the ancient Indian subcontinent was dominated by monsoon, the sculptural tradition predominantly features stone, metal, and terracotta. Organic media such as wood and ivory are not only rare to come across, but also practically nonexistent since the start of the Common Era. Some Southern architectural wonders have, of course, stood the test of time; and what you see on this page is a replication of the same.

This wood-carved work depicts Devi Lakshmi in all Her lissome beauty. Her feet are on the delicate bed of a lotus, as She stands with a pair of hands raised in blessing and another holding lotuses. A dhoti of lustrous green silk clothes Her from the navel downwards; the rest of Her is clad in nothing but divine shringar. A towering crown and the halo behind Her head complete the soothing chhavi (image) of Her handsome mukhamandal (countenance).

This contemporary sculpture bears all the hallmarks of the Southern style of temple architecture. Besides, there is the expressive silhouette lent by the organic medium, and the earthy colour palette made up of rich burnt browns, greens, and oranges. While not a lot of our wooden sculptures seem to have survived the ravages of time, works like these pay homage to both the art and the shraddha contained therein.

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Specifications

	ZCY25
	South Indian Temple Wood Carving
	Height: 36 inch
	Width: 11.5 inch
	Depth: 4.9 inch
	Weight 9.60 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.

Embrace Abundance with a South Indian Wood Carving of Devi Lakshmi

This exquisite wood carving depicts Goddess Lakshmi, the divine mother and harbinger of wealth, prosperity, and fortune, in a captivating standing posture upon a vibrant lotus. Rooted in the rich traditions of South Indian temple art, this piece is a testament to skilled craftsmanship, passed down through generations of artisans. The intricate detailing and the harmonious blend of colors bring the divine form to life, creating an aura of serenity and auspiciousness. Lakshmi, a central figure in Hinduism, is revered as the goddess of beauty, grace, and material as well as spiritual wealth. She is often depicted seated or standing on a lotus, symbolizing purity, beauty, and transcendence. Her presence is believed to bestow blessings of abundance, good luck, and material well-being upon her devotees. In many narratives, Lakshmi emerged from the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan), bringing forth beauty and prosperity to the world. She is also known by many other names, such as Sri, Padma, and Kamalaja, each highlighting a facet of her divine nature.

A Masterpiece of South Indian Artistry

This sculpture is a fine example of South Indian temple wood carving, a discipline characterized by its meticulous attention to detail, fluid lines, and the vibrant use of color. The wood itself has been expertly carved to capture the subtle nuances of Lakshmi’s form, from the graceful curve of her posture to the serene expression on her face. The traditional attire and ornaments are rendered with remarkable precision, reflecting the elaborate adornments typically seen in temple deities. The archway framing the goddess further enhances the sacred ambiance, reminiscent of the architectural styles found in ancient South Indian temples. The use of multiple colors, including rich greens, earthy browns, vibrant reds, and golden yellows, not only accentuates the carved details but also imbues the sculpture with a sense of divine radiance and earthly abundance.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

The lotus upon which Lakshmi stands is a potent symbol in Indian culture and spirituality. It represents the power of purity to flourish even in the midst of impurity, emerging pristine and beautiful from muddy waters. This signifies Lakshmi's ability to bring grace and prosperity into any situation. The upward-facing hands often held in the *abhaya mudra* (gesture of fearlessness) and *varada mudra* (gesture of boon-giving) are symbolic of her protective and benevolent nature, offering blessings and dispelling fear. The presence of Lotuses in her hands further reinforces her association with beauty and fertility. This carving serves not merely as a decorative object but as a focal point for devotion, a tangible representation of the divine feminine energy that governs abundance and well-being. Inviting this sculpture into your home is believed to attract prosperity, peace, and good fortune, creating a sacred and uplifting atmosphere.

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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