The artist has created with master strokes enormously interesting anatomy of the elephant god. Squeezed from both sides his pot-belly has further protruded. The folds which define the belly depict the pressure both from above and below. For evading flatness the artist has conceived not only a diagonal position for his legs but has also bridged the entire form by placing on his raised leg his left arm. Like his posture his ornamentation too is highly balanced. He is wearing a conically shaped crown but considering his reclining posture the artist has designed only a smaller one lest it imbalances the entire figure by its over-dominance. He is wearing a few but elegant ornaments and the usual 'agyopavita'. Save a 'dhoti' he has no other costume on his person but in its deep green and with surging crease it has a majestic look.
This majestic wooden image of Lord Ganesha represents him as listening to a musical concert. This icon is just one member of a group of other Ganeshas who constitute the band of musicians. This image represents the Lord of them all, hence has a golden complexion befitting a majestic person. The image has been based on a flat subdued pedestal befitting the mood and occasion.
This description by Prof. P.C. Jain and Dr Daljeet. Prof. Jain specializes on the aesthetics of ancient Indian literature. Dr Daljeet is the chief curator of the Visual Arts Gallery at the National Museum of India, New Delhi. They have both collaborated on numerous books on Indian art and culture.
Other Sculptures in this Series:
Ganesha, The Master-Drummer
Ganesha, The Pupil Drummer
Ganesha, The Lyrist
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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