A temple sculpture is a sculpture that draws heavily from the architecture and iconography of ancient Indian temples. As such, temple sculptures are particularly ornate and especially fit to be housed in your home, office, or community temple. The Panchamukhi Hanuman that you see on this page is a fine example of the same. It is fashioned from strong, homegrown wood and infused with a world of detail. Given the difficult nature of the medium to work with, it is proof of the sheer skill of the artisan.
The epithet Pancamukha is the Sanskrt term for the one with five (‘panca’) faces (‘mukha’). The five faces are of Lakshmi Varaha, Mahaveera Garuda, Anjaneya, Karala Ugraveera Narasimha, and Hayagriva. A composure of fierce determination has been etched onto the expressive features of each face. The zeniths of richly detailed crowns gather at the all-devouring jaws of the Kirtimukham. Seated in lalitasana, Lord Pancamukha wields a multitude of weapons in His ten hands (He is the dashabhujadhari, the one possessed of ten arms).
From the superb symmetry of the lotus pedestal, the plinth, and the aureole to the lifelike shape of the Lord’s hands and feet, this wooden sculpture has all the bearing of a magnificent work of art. The natural colour gradient of the organic medium adds to the gravitas of Lord Pancamukha.
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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