Woodblock Depicting the Scenes of Vishnu on Garuda, Gajendra Moksha, Vishnu Trivikrama Vishnu with Bhu Devi and Shri Devi and Krishna Lilas with Dwarf, Yali and Peacock Figures

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MADE IN INDIA.

Woodblock Depicting the Scenes of Vishnu on Garuda, Gajendra Moksha, Vishnu Trivikrama Vishnu with Bhu Devi and Shri Devi and Krishna Lilas with Dwarf, Yali and Peacock Figures

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$4428

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This exquisite wood-carved panel, sourced painstakingly from the recesses of South India, is potent with mythological significance. Numberless figures of Oriental religion and culture (names in the title), have been carved and infused with eye-catching pastel blends.

With the practice of this endemic art running across generations of artisan families, the most perfect of wooden sculptures are to be found in the southern recesses of the subcontinent.

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Specifications

	ZBX32
	South Indian Temple Wood Carving
	Height: 47 inch
	Width: 49 inch
	Depth: 2.5 inch
	Weight 35 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 35 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 Divine Tapestry of South Indian Artistry

Immerse yourself in the rich spiritual and artistic heritage of South India with this exquisite woodblock, a captivating masterpiece that tells tales of divine intervention, cosmic balance, and playful divinity. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail by skilled artisans, this piece is more than just a decorative item; it is a vibrant narrative carved in wood, designed to evoke devotion and awe in any space it graces. The deep, earthy tones of the wood are accentuated by splashes of vibrant, traditional colors, bringing each scene to life with a tactile and visual richness that has been refined over generations of temple carving traditions. ––––––––––

Echoes of Myth and Legend

The central panels of this woodblock are a testament to the enduring power of Hindu mythology. Witness the formidable Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, in his various cosmic forms. Here, he is depicted on Garuda, his celestial eagle mount, symbolizing the swift and unwavering protection he offers his devotees. Another panel unveils the poignant story of Gajendra Moksha, where Vishnu descends to rescue the king of elephants from the clutches of a crocodile, an allegory for overcoming insurmountable obstacles through divine grace. The awe-inspiring Trivikrama avatar showcases Vishnu's boundless power, with one foot reaching the heavens and the other encompassing the earth, subduing the pride of King Bali. The presence of Bhu Devi and Shri Devi, goddesses of the Earth and prosperity respectively, signifies the divine consorts who embody Vishnu's benevolent aspects. ––––––––––

The Playful Divinity of Krishna

The lower registers of the woodblock are dedicated to the beloved Lord Krishna, his earthly sojourns filled with charm and divine mischief. Depicted amidst idyllic pastoral scenes, Krishna’s flute playing is a central theme, known to mesmerize not only the inhabitants of Gokul but also the very cosmos. The vibrant peacock feathers adorning his crown are an iconic symbol of his divine allure. Interspersed amongst these scenes are mythological creatures and natural elements that are integral to the visual language of Indian art. The fearsome Yali, a mythical beast often depicted as a lion with the head of another animal, represents power and protection, while the graceful peacock symbolizes beauty and immortality. These figures, rendered with lifelike dynamism, contribute to the overall narrative richness and spiritual depth of the artwork. Each element, from the smallest floral motif to the grandest divine depiction, is a testament to the artisan's profound understanding of sacred texts and their ability to translate them into tangible forms that resonate with timeless spiritual truths.

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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