Nrittya Ganesha

$905
Item Code: ZC85
Specifications:
South Indian Temple Wood Carving (Temple Tawwar)
Height: 2 ft
Width: 1 ft
Depth: 0.4 ft
Weight: 4.10 kg
Handmade
Handmade
Free delivery
Free delivery
Fully insured
Fully insured
Shipped to 153 countries
Shipped to 153 countries
More than 1M+ customers worldwide
More than 1M+ customers worldwide
This cute figure of the elephant headed god Ganesha represents him in his dance posture, though his fast dance moves do not obstruct him from enjoying his 'modakas' which he goes on eating in simultaneity with his dance. The rhythmic curves of his figure, his upper left hand with 'pasha' in it floating like a sash into air, queer pot-like belly, knotted knees, rounded ankles and flags like unfurling ears make the entire figure quite curious and interesting. His rounded belly is unable to contain both, his girdle and his loin cloth, one of which has ascended far above his belly and the other descended far below his waist. Effortlessly he seems to be dancing, yet there reflects in his twinkling eyes the toil which his comfort-loving being has to undergo during the course of dancing.

All his four hands, despite that in three of them he is carrying his attributes, 'ankusha', 'pasha' and a bowl filled with 'modakas', are devoted to dance.Dance in Indian thought and tradition has been devised as an instrument of creation and destruction and for giving expression to various 'bhavas' through various 'mudrayen', or dancing postures, positions, gestures and facial demeanours. In Indian mythology Shiva, Vishnu as Krishna, Devi as Kali and Ganesha are the master dancers who may dance to both create and destroy and to express one 'bhava' or the other. In this dance form the great Master is expressing by each of his four hands one 'bhava'. The upper left arm floating in air expresses the joy, usually born of victory. The lower left arm upholds the pot of 'modakas' and thereby symbolises sustenance. The upper right arm stands for a 'bhava' mixed of 'abhaya' and 'varada' and the lower right for easeful calm.

The sublime figure of the god has his large sash unfurling to ground and therein the artist has discovered the means for supporting his figure. The two ends of his sash also constitute the semi-fire-arch for enshrining the deity. On his right a huge container filled with 'modakas' and on his left his vehicle mouse support the fire-arch. With one tusk broken the god is in his 'Ekatanta' form. He has been adorned with usual ornaments and 'yajnapavita' and has been installed on a pedestal laid over a lotus flower drawn in its conventional form. As if for a dancer's performance, the platform has been considerably raised. In the wrinkles on the trunk of the deity the artist has inscribed a modest 'Om' and on his forehead a 'tripunda' mark. In the natural texture of wood the artist has discovered an as appropriate natural skin and body-hair colour and texture for the elephant god.

This description by Prof. P.C. Jain and Dr Daljeet. Prof. Jain specializes on the aesthetics of ancient Indian literature. Dr Daljeet is the chief curator of the Visual Arts Gallery at the National Museum of India, New Delhi. They have both collaborated on numerous books on Indian art and culture.

Of Related Interest:

Book: Ganesa The Enchanter of The Three Worlds

Comic Book: The Sons of Shiva

Jewelry: Ganesha Sitting on OM

Dolls: Fifteen inch high sitting Ganesha Doll

Textiles: Shri Ganeshai Namah Prayer Shawl

Click Here to read the Article: Ganesha - the Elephant Headed God, Art and Mythology

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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