The erstwhile Shakyamuni Siddhartha Gautama had spent years as a mendicant and ascetic. The image of Him that forms the subject of our visualisation is the result of that prolonged period of tapa (austerity) and svadhyaya (self-seeking). His limbs gathered in the elusive poorna-padmasana; at the meeting point of the heels His palms turned outwards, the thumbtips touching. Zoom in on each aspect of the sculpture to appreciate the finesse of the carving and polishing.
Note the halo of lotus petals that surrounds the gracious head of the Buddha. A mass of curls coiled in a characteristic bun atop His head, and ears of wisdom that stretch from as high as the brow to the zenith of the clavicles. How irresistibly beautiful is the face of Enlightenment - large, half-shut eyes as wide as the wings of an albatross, a compassionate mouth, respite for the senses as much as for the soul.
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.
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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