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Saraswati

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Name: Saraswati
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: EG70
Price: 1765.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$1654.50

$2206

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Notify me when this item is available

Specifications

	EG70
	South Indian Temple Wood
	Height: 48 inch
	Width: 23 inch
	Depth: 6 inch
	Weight 28.65 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.

A Glimpse into Divine Wisdom

Behold a stunning representation of the revered Hindu goddess of knowledge, music, arts, wisdom, and learning. This piece captures the essence of her benevolent presence, crafted with intricate detail and rich symbolism. The sculpture, originating from the traditional temple wood carving traditions of South India, measures 48.0 x 23.0 x 6.0 inches. It displays fine workmanship and artistry, reflecting the deep cultural roots of its origin.

The Goddess Embodied

Saraswati, a vital member of the Tridevi (the trinity of Hindu goddesses), is often depicted seated on a white lotus, a symbol of purity and transcendence. While this carving does not explicitly feature the lotus seat, the figure is enthroned atop a uniquely carved lotus. She is often depicted holding a veena, a traditional Indian stringed instrument which is shown here, symbolizing her mastery over music and the arts. She is accompanied by her vahana (animal vehicle), the graceful swan or goose, a symbol of discernment and the ability to separate truth from falsehood. The presence of the swan is more than an accessory; it emphasizes Saraswati’s ability to discriminate between right and wrong. Each element woven into the depiction carries significant meaning, making it a rich visual narrative of Saraswati's essence.

The Legend of Saraswati

Saraswati's origins are rooted deeply in Hindu mythology, with stories varying across different texts and traditions. Often associated with the Saraswati River, a once-mighty river that has since disappeared, she is viewed as the embodiment of the power of speech, communication, and creativity. She is also recognized as the consort of Brahma, the creator god, and is considered essential to the creation of the universe through her wisdom and creative energy. In some accounts, Saraswati is seen as the daughter of Durga or the embodiment of Shakti herself, highlighting her powerful and multifaceted nature. One popular myth tells of how Saraswati helped bring order to chaos with her wisdom and eloquence. This narrative shows that through knowledge and understanding, there is the capacity to establish harmony and balance in the world. The tales surrounding Saraswati continually emphasize her role as a guiding force in the pursuit of knowledge and truth.

Temple Art Aesthetics

This wood carving encapsulates the aesthetic principles of South Indian temple art. The intricate details, ornate carvings, and the overall symmetry reflect the devotion and artistic skill poured into creating sacred images. The color palette chosen reflects the earthy tones often associated with natural materials, adding to the piece's authenticity and charm. The techniques used in its construction are a testament to the enduring artistic traditions passed down through generations of South Indian artisans. Owning this carving is akin to owning a piece of cultural heritage. It brings a touch of ancient wisdom and artistic excellence into your space, reminding us of the timeless power of knowledge and creative expression.

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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