Wood holds a deep significance in Indian culture and tradition. Sacred trees such as Mango, Neem, and Tulsi are revered, while woods like Cedar, Teak, and Camphor are used to craft divine idols. Sculptors select these woods carefully to ensure durability, aesthetic appeal, and spiritual purity, following guidelines from ancient Shilpashastra. This blog explores the significance and use of these woods in creating timeless religious sculptures.
Kaashtha (काष्ठ), Daaru (दारु) Lakadi (लकड़ी), wood has many names in Indian culture which tell us about wood’s significance for the country and its tradition from the ancient times. Trees and plants such as Aama (mango), Peepal, Neem, Tulsi, and Shami are considered holy and abode of the divine element in the Hindu religion. Textual authorities on the art and science of icon-making list wood as one of the purest materials useful in making the idol of the Hindugods and goddesses.
The sculptor is advised to look for the best quality wood from auspicious trees, that grow in a sacred ambiance, have an attractive surface, and result in durable woodwork. The concern of the Indian artist is to sculpt a murti that is aesthetically alluring and durable, fitting the potency of the god or goddess it is supposed to house. There are several kinds of wood used by Indian wood crafters for carving their stunning icons.
These woods are chosen keeping in mind the rules laid down by ancient Shilpashastra and the requirement of Hindu Puja, in which the divine idol is treated regularly with Snana (ritual bathing), rubbing fragrant pastes such as Sandalwood paste and heat and light from the ritual lamp or Diya. Let us have a look at a few of these timeless woods here.
This wood is devotedly called “Devadaru” (Deva- god, Daru-wood) and grows in the hilly regions of north India. Devadaru or Deodar (Cedar Wood) is softwood with insect-repellent qualities, rich colors, and durability that makes it suitable for carving god idols. The surface of the wood is easy to cut allowing the artist to sculpt finer patterns and give a seamless finish to the woodwork. Cedar wood is a light wood that enables you to move and clean artwork fashioned out of it.
Placed on a handcrafted pedestal, Sri Rama with his divine bow is the perfect statue for your home temple, for adorning it with the aura of the Lord of Ayodhya.
This cedar wood Dashavatara panel follows the style of Hindu temple sculptures, where the powerful ten forms of Vishnu are etched on the walls, as guardians of a space.
Traditional carving techniques and creativity meet in this cedar wood composition, depicting Ganesha as a divine musician, an artwork that will bring joy and sacredness to your home decor.
A graceful woman is conjured in cedar wood by trained artists, who capture the poise and beauty of the lady with pot, a recurring motif in Indian art and poetry and a symbol of femininity that will transform any space with her animated gaze.
Associated with Krishna as one of his favorite trees, cedar has been given the form of this beautiful statue of the fluting lord, who is adorned with a unique elaborate crown and a staff, for guarding his flock on the right path.
“Sagaun” or teakwood is obtained from trees that sprawl across the Indian subcontinent. It is one of the most rigid and durable woods, trusted by the sailors in medieval times for the construction of their ships and boats! Teakwood quite literally can survive for a lifetime while braving weather and pest without much maintenance, which makes it one of the best base materials for a durable and beautiful wood icon. Its natural color and texture on an old idol give it an amazing lacquered appearance which adds to the artistic quality of the woodwork.
An element of ancient Hindu temples, the Dashavatara panel is one of the most popular features in Indian religious art. The ten incarnations of Vishnu, intricately carved with Vishnu himself in the centre and a beautiful polish make this a piece of heritage in your home.
The court of Sri Rama, with an elaborate pedestal, vegetation and peacock in the prabhavali, and royally ornamented Rama, Lakshman, and Sita are presented in this teakwood statue, the perfect way to welcome Ayodhyapati’s blessings in your puja ghar or as a sacred decor for your central hall.
Life-like details, the grand throne, and fine polish make this teakwood statue of Buddha brim with heavenly life. The perfect features of Buddha, his garments forming soft folds, the poise of his body- each element is crafted with finesse, making this a profoundly asthetic piece of art.
An awe-inspring depiction of the Hindu goddess of wisdom and creativity, this wooden statue oozes animation. From the stance of Saraswati to her intricately etched eyes that overflow with life, to the sprouting vegetation around her- suppleness achieved in wood is an example of the skills of the artists, whose work is an offering to the supreme mother of all arts.
A heavenly woman emerging from the lotus, this teakwood statue depicts the ideal of beauty in ancient India- Padmini, or the woman who is as lovely as a Padma or lotus. A blend of fine craftsmanship and poetic narratives of history, this is an alluring decor to elevate your space.
Karpoora (Sanskrit) or Kapoora, this wood has multiple uses in the Hindu ritual. A white-colored substance obtained from the wood and bark of Camphor is used in a Hindu Puja to perform the Aarti of the Lord. Its wood has a distinctive aroma associated with purity and spirituality, one that also emanates from the woodwork carved from Camphor wood. Durable and pest-resistance, Camphor wood is used by artists to sculpt various religious idols with an aesthetic quality that comes from the whitish hue of the wood.
A detailed depiction of Buddha surrounded by divine beings and mythical creatures, this tableau brings the richness of Mahayana Buddhism within its fragrant carvings. The muted tone of the wood and the unpolished texture create a contemporary finish that will stand out and fit into a modern space.
The softness of the features of Maitreya Buddha and the delicateness of his attire realistically carved in wood makes one forget about the rigidity of the material. This is a statue that appeals to the eyes and soothes the heart with its details.
The Medicine Buddha or Bhaisajyaguru heals the heart in this simple yet sophisticated woodwork, a personal shrine of the divine healer surrounded by Panchabuddhas and attendant monks, adorned with rich symbolism, for a calming meditation space dedicated to him.
What is better than handcrafted wood art? A handpainted wood art! This mesmerizing deception of Green Tara with the 21 powerful forms of the goddess and other legendary beings of Buddhism, each adorned with rich colors makes this camphor wood sculpture a one-of-a-kind sacred art.
A favorite of the Hindu blue-skinned god Sri Krishna, Kadamba wood and tree are deeply rooted in India’s religion and history. Its wood is used majorly by the woodworkers of Karnataka, a state whose royal dynasty, the Kadambas also got their name from this divine tree. The "Mahishasuramardini Stotram" describes that the Jagadamba Parvati is delighted while living in the grooves of Kadamba. Besides its cultural connections, the wood of the Kadamba tree is more affordable and easy to work with in comparison to other varieties of wood. It offers exquisite wood icons that are moderately durable.
The peaceful aura of Buddha, preaching his Dhamma is beautifully represented in this Kadamba wood statue. Adorned with stylized vegetation that infuses the art with a quality of life and a blossoming lotus expressing the finesse of the artist, this is an ideal Buddha statue for personal shrines and halls.
The classic iconography of goddess Durga as Simhavahini or lion-rider, carrying powerful weapons and adorned with royal ornaments is presented in this Kadamba wood statue, a perfect idol for a home temple of Maa Durga.
This is a unique woodwork, depicting the auspicious deities- Ganesha and Lakshmi nestled in a pair of hands. Intricate details and faultless polishing lend the wood a refined quality, making these artworks the ideal addition to your sacred decor.
“God’s Tree” in Tamil Nadu, also known as “Merbau” and “Kwila” in Karnataka, the Vengai tree is another holy tree that is famed the world over for its durability, resistance to insects and lustrous texture upon finishing. Vengai wood is extremely sturdy which makes it a good choice for idols as well as other elements in the Hindu shrine such as pillars, aureole, and Manai (chowki or seat).
The surface of Vengai wood is easy to paint, allowing the artist to add vibrant colors to the idols, giving them an excellent form that persists. The mastery of Indian woodworkers is in no way limited to making religious icons. From wooden Puja temples that are miniature versions of ancient Hindu shrines to wooden cabinets and boxes that enhance your home decor with a touch of Indian-ness.
Enchanting icons of Apsaras (celestial nymphs) and wooden Yalis that bring vigor to space, the skills of Hindu craftsmen create magnificent woodwork for every room and corner of your house. Looking to add the outstanding durability of Indian woodwork to your home? Exotic India Art is your gateway to the awe-inspiring wood statues and much more, that will forever be in your home, with the essence of India.
Probably one of the best wood statues, this Dakshinamurti Shiva is a darshana of the ancient guru, in all his glory. Shiva’s animated yet still gaze, his gentle smile, ornate jewelry, blossoming vegetation, and sages in dynamic poses sitting near his feet create a visual narrative that appeals to the onlooker. The natural tone of Vengai wood and the mighty subject blend to craft a masterpiece like no else.
This colorful Kirtimukha prabhavali is a traditional element that can make your home shrine complete, with the architectural grandeur of ancient Hindu temples.
Relaxing Ganesha statues are Vaastu-prescribed images to welcome auspiciousness and fortune in life. This Vengai wood statue is ideal for halls, tabletops, and festive decor of your space, bringing a touch of traditional asthetics to your space.
The beauty of wood is always at risk of exposure to a damp and moist environment, dust and debris, and sunlight exposure that decays the material. In addition to buying the best wood statues, it is essential that you know how to maintain and clean wood statues at home. Here is a simple guide that will enhance the charm and age of your favorite woodwork.
☛ Regular dusting of the artwork is a must. Use a clean and dry cloth and thoroughly dust the surface, including the corners and edges of the statue.
☛ Moisture can make wood swell and crack over time. It is important that you keep wood statues away from moist places, in cool and dry spots. If needed, use a mildly moist cloth and clean the surface a second time to remove any water residue.
☛ Certain wood cleaners available in the market can be used to periodically clean wooden art. Always check the chemical composition and avoid overusing the cleaner. Do not use chemicals for painted wooden art as it may harm the colors and disfigure the art piece.
☛ Lacquer is used by artists to protect wood from damage. You can also use wood polish from the market to layer your favorite artwork with a thin, even coat. Consult an expert or the brand from which you have purchased to understand if and how to use lacquer for the wood statue.
☛ Correct placement and storage of wooden statues are necessary. If you are moving or traveling long distances with wooden art, make sure to store it properly and transport the art mindfully to avoid any breakage or wear and tear.
Indian wood statues are commonly made from teakwood, cedar, Kadamba, vengai, and camphor wood. Sandalwood and walnut wood are also popular materials.
The simplest way is to use a clean cloth for regular dusting. You can use a moist cloth for thoroughly cleaning the statue, but remove any moisture after the surface has been wiped to avoid any damage.
Keep wooden statues away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Get the statue coated with a weather-resistant lacquer and treat it with natural oils such as linseed oil to maintain its softness and natural texture that protects wood from cracking.
While wood is a fairly durable material, it is recommended to place wood statues indoors to prolong their age and beauty.
The wood type can be identified by the color, texture, and detailing of the statue. Trusted sellers provide information regarding the material of statues during a purchase. You can consult an expert or the customer support of the brand to identify the wood used in a statue you buy.
Wood is one of the oldest materials known to humankind. The simplicity of the material allows for the imagination and skills of the artist to shine bright, making wood one of the most popular materials till the modern period, for statues and art pieces. Indian wood statues are a treasure of the country’s religious beliefs, rituals, and popular stories, containing within them century-old traditions and allowing the connoisseurs to travel back in time with their aesthetics.
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