Tibetan Buddhist Altar Desk with Auspicious Symbols

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MADE IN INDIA.

Tibetan Buddhist Altar Desk with Auspicious Symbols

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$1134.75

$1513

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

This altar desk will be a valuable addition to the dimly lit interiors of a monastery. Sculpted from the finest woods sourced from Nepal's luxuriant forests, it is etched and painted with spiritually significant motifs such as conchs, curvaceous dragons, lamps, and lotuses, rendering it as much a piece of ritual functionality as a purely aesthetic work of art.

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Specifications

	RJ24
	Wood Sculpture
	Height: 17.3 inch
	Width: 29 inch
	Depth: 16 inch
	Weight 8.18 kg

Delivery and Return Policies


	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 Sacred Space for Reflection and Devotion

Elevate your spiritual practice and bring the sacred energy of Tibetan Buddhism into your home with this exquisite altar desk. Meticulously crafted from wood, this piece is more than just furniture; it is a gateway to serenity and a testament to the profound beauty of Tibetan art. The rich, earthy tones of the wood provide a grounding foundation for the vibrant and intricate ornamentation that adorns its surfaces, inviting contemplation and a sense of peace.

Embrace the Auspiciousness of Symbolism

The surface of this altar desk is a canvas of deeply meaningful iconography, each symbol chosen to evoke auspiciousness, protection, and spiritual awakening. Dominating the central panel are two majestic dragons, powerful beings from East Asian mythology. In Tibetan culture, dragons represent strength, wisdom, and good fortune. They are guardians of the heavens and are often depicted in the company of pearls, which symbolize enlightenment and the fulfillment of wishes. These dragons, rendered with dynamic movement and vibrant scales, are poised as protectors of your sacred space, warding off negativity and inviting positive energy. Above the dragons, a cascade of floral motifs and symbolic objects unfolds. The lotus flower, a universal symbol of purity, enlightenment, and rebirth, is intricately depicted, its petals opening towards the divine. Alongside these are representations of auspicious symbols such as the endless knot, symbolizing the interconnectedness of all things and the eternal nature of the Buddha's teachings, and precious vases, representing abundance and the treasures of spiritual merit. The vibrant colors used in these depictions—rich reds, deep blues, emerald greens, and shimmering golds—are not merely decorative but carry their own symbolic weight, each hue chosen for its spiritual significance.

Craftsmanship and Cultural Heritage

This altar desk is a labor of love, showcasing the dedication and skill of artisans who have inherited generations of artistic tradition. The detailed carvings and hand-painted embellishments speak to a deep understanding of Buddhist iconography and aesthetic principles. The raised relief work creates a tactile dimension, allowing you to feel the energy of the symbols as you engage with them. This piece is designed to be a focal point in any meditation room, study, or living space, providing a dedicated surface for your devotional items, such as statues, incense, and offerings, while simultaneously serving as a work of art that enriches your environment. Its dimensions make it a substantial yet versatile addition, capable of holding your most treasured sacred objects.

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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