Unlike his normal two-armed image-form that enshrines all four seats of Krishna’s Vaishnavism : Vrindavana, Nathadwara, Puri and Dwarika, and temples almost everywhere in India and beyond, this statue represents him as four-armed. Alike, he has been represented as wearing a towering Vaishnava crown, Lord Vishnu-like ‘kundalas’ – ear-ornaments, and large ‘Vaijayanti’ – garland of Parijat flowers, with a Vaishnava ‘tilaka’ mark on the forehead, and carrying in two of his hands the attributes that the images of Vishnu carry, a conventionalized lotus and conch, and, above all, a conspicuous absence of peacock feather crest, an essential feature of Krishna’s images. Except that the represented image has been cast in ‘tri-bhang’ – three-curved posture, playing on his flute and a cow accompanying him : all typical features of Krishna’s form, and completely foreign to the images of Vishnu, this statue represents Krishna like Lord Vishnu. The style of ‘antariya’ – lower wear, elaborate girdle comprising laces of beads that holds it, halo around the face and rich and lavish ornaments, all are more characteristic features of the images of Vishnu.
Obviously, the representation in this statue is influenced by South Indian cult of Vaishnavism that lays greater emphasis on the worship of Lord Vishnu in his primordial form, not any of his incarnations. Texts perceive Krishna as Vishnu’s eighth incarnation but except their blue body-colour in visual manifestations they are represented with widely different physiognomy, postures : Krishna’s being quite intimate and personalized, while Vishnu’s, majestic and regal, and a widely different set of attributes and myths, and thus their imagery. A typical example of wood-carving in South Indian tradition, this statue represents Krishna but blending into his form many of the features of Vaishnava images. An image of Krishna playing on his flute is of one fully absorbed into the melody that his flute produces. However, in this image, despite that the ‘bhava’ – emotion, absorption, an essential aspect of flute-playing Krishna, enshrines his face, the element of majesty and regality as powerfully blends with it.
The image of Lord Krishna, a four-armed manifestation carrying in upper ones a conventionalised lotus and conch, and with other two, playing on flute, along with the figure of cow has been installed on a three-tiered ‘pitha’ – pedestal, the upwards tapering base-moulding consisting of ‘phalis’ – decorative loops, that in the centre, consisting of conventionalised lotus motifs and beads in intervening spaces, and upper most, relatively plain but carved with waves-pattern symbolic of river Yamuna, an entity so deeply associated with Krishna. With its tail contained within its hind legs as has a cow when caressing and feeding its calf and its mouth turned to Krishna’s feet, the cow, symbolic of the worldly self devoted to the Supreme Self, stands for complete submission. The highly adorned image combines with Krishna’s humanistic aspects Vishnu’s majesty. His figure is poised in ‘tri-bhang’ and is modeled with mild curves corresponding to the movement of his legs. Fine execution discovering forms, iconographic features and linear details, sensitive treatment of the subject, perfect anatomical balance, well-assimilated parts and emotional bearing on the face impart to the artifact unique artistic merit and great distinction.
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.
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.
For privacy concerns, please view our Privacy Policy
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist