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Shri Ganesha

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$548.25

$731

25% off

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Specifications

	ZEM01
	South Indian Temple Wood Carving
	Height: 36 inch
	Width: 14.5 inch
	Depth: 3.7 inch
	Weight 10.46 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.

The Remover of Obstacles: A Divine South Indian Wood Carving

This exquisite wood carving, originating from the rich artistic traditions of South India, depicts Shri Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed deity who is revered as the remover of obstacles and the god of beginnings. Carved with meticulous detail and vibrant colors, this piece is more than just a decorative item; it is a conduit of spiritual energy and a testament to the enduring legacy of Hindu artistry. The carving showcases Ganesha seated upon a beautifully rendered lotus flower, a symbol of purity, enlightenment, and spiritual awakening. His gentle gaze and calm demeanor invite contemplation and peace. The artist has masterfully captured the essence of this revered deity, from the curve of his trunk to the subtle expressions on his face. The intricate ornamentation adorning his body, including his headdress, necklaces, and armbands, speak to the opulence and divine status attributed to him.

A Symphony of Nature and Divinity

The backdrop of the carving is a lush, verdant tableau of nature, teeming with life and symbolic meaning. Swirling vines and leaves frame the divine figure, creating a sense of organic growth and abundance. Interspersed within this natural abundance are charming depictions of birds and fruits, further enhancing the sense of prosperity and fertility. The use of deep greens, vibrant reds, and sunny yellows evokes the vitality of the natural world, underscoring Ganesha's association with auspicious beginnings and new ventures. The presence of these natural elements also alludes to the cyclical nature of life and the interconnectedness of all beings, a core tenet in many Eastern philosophies.

The Legend of Ganesha's Creation

The lore surrounding Ganesha's birth is as fascinating as it is profound. It is said that the goddess Parvati, longing for a devoted son, created Ganesha from the divine essence of her own body. She instructed him to guard her privacy, and when her husband, Lord Shiva, returned and was denied entry by Ganesha, a fierce battle ensued. Shiva, unaware of Ganesha's divine parentage, was so enraged that he decapitated the boy. Overcome with grief, Parvati revealed Ganesha's true identity. To appease her, Shiva promised that Ganesha would be worshipped before all other deities, and he replaced Ganesha's head with that of an elephant, symbolizing wisdom, strength, and detachment. This narrative highlights Ganesha's role as a divine protector and a figure who bridges the gap between the earthly and the divine.

A South Indian Masterpiece

This carving is a prime example of South Indian temple wood carving, a craft that has been passed down through generations. The artisans of this region are renowned for their ability to imbue wood with life and spirit, transforming raw material into objects of profound beauty and devotion. The distinct style, characterized by its detailed rendering and vibrant, multi-layered coloring, reflects the deep-rooted artistic and religious heritage of the area. Owning this piece is like bringing a piece of sacred South Indian heritage into your home, a tangible connection to ancient traditions and spiritual practices. Its impressive size makes it a commanding presence, suitable for a central place of honor in any sacred or decorative setting.

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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