In terms of style, this Nataraja sculpture draws heavily from the ancient cave temples of India. It is a dancing Shiva statue, with key elements of the traditional Nataraja iconography intact: a leg raised in the air, the foot of the other pressing down upon avidya-roopi Apasmara.
Along the upper edge of the dynamic figure is Kirtimukham. Flanking the crown is a pair of winged apsaras. To the right of Shiva’s feet is a member of Shivagana (devotee and disciple); while to the left, the lovely Devi Parvati in Her laya. Laya is the serene dance form complementary to the all-annihilating tandava of Shiva. Her presence in this Shiva Nataraja statue symbolises how indispensable She (laya) is to Him (tandava).
In the panel beneath the main iconography, are the twin seated Brahma va Vishnu figures. These are part of the sheer wealth of detail introduced into this wood-carved Nataraja murti. This, and the flawlessness with which each detail has been executed, testify to the authenticity of the work.
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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