A wide-set Devi Sarasvati figurine is seated under a lotus-petal aureole. A gigantic lotus bloom is Her throne. She sits in lalitasana upon its gld-and-peaches petals, the toe of the right foot gracefully touching the bhoomi (earth) beneath. A dhoti of green silk wound tightly around the length of Her gracious legs, and a sash of curvy green vine around her hips cascading down the frontal midline of Her throne.
She is the chaturbhujadharini, the one possessed of (‘dharini’) four (‘chatur’) arms (‘bhuja’). In keeping with the textual and popular iconography, the anterior hands are devoted to playing the veena, while in Her posterior hands She holds a rosary and a Vaidik pothi (manuscript of the Vedas). The veena, a long-necked, slender-stemmed string instrument, is a classical Indian musical instrument which is indispensable to the presence of Devi Sarasvati. After all She is the presiding deity over aesthetics, which includes the fine arts.
A tall, tapering crown engraved with great detail despite the scale. Together with the karnakundalas (danglers), it frames a full, youthful face that has an expression of omniscience and bliss. The halo behind Her head blends into the aureole. The zenith of Her crown juts into the self-mutilated jaws of Kirtimukham. Underneath the lotus plinth is a platform made up of rows of lotus petals upon lotus petals, a characteristic of Southern Indian workmanship.
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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