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Lakshmi the Goddess Who Gives Money

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Name: Lakshmi the Goddess Who Gives Money
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZAR03
Price: 700.00 USD
Availability: InStock

RM3132

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Specifications

	ZAR03
	South Indian Temple Wood Carving
	Height: 25 inch
	Width: 11.5 inch
	Depth: 5 inch
	Weight 6.06 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 35 days
	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

Embrace Abundance with the Divine Mother: A South Indian Wood Carving of Goddess Lakshmi

Invoked as the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity, Lakshmi is one of the most revered deities in the Hindu pantheon. Her presence is believed to bring good fortune, material comfort, and spiritual well-being. This exquisite wood carving, a testament to the rich artistic heritage of South India, captures the essence of the divine mother in her benevolent form. Each intricate detail has been painstakingly hand-carved by master artisans, reflecting centuries of tradition and devotion. The warm tones of the wood, enhanced by a vibrant and nuanced coloration, bring this sacred image to life, making it a captivating centerpiece for any sacred space or home decor.

The Symbolism of Sri Lakshmi

Lakshmi's iconography is rich with symbolism, each element conveying profound meaning. She is often depicted seated on a lotus, the flower symbolizing purity, beauty, and spiritual enlightenment, rising unstained from the murky waters. In this carving, the graceful lotus on which she rests signifies her divine birth and her ability to transcend worldly attachments. She is frequently shown with four arms, each holding an object or making a gesture with specific significance. Her upper hands here hold lotuses, representing spiritual growth and prosperity, while her lower right hand is raised in the Abhaya Mudra, bestowing blessings and protection, and her left hand rests in her lap, signifying abundance. The intricate jewelry adorning her, from the layered necklaces to the bangles, speaks of her regal status and the material riches she embodies.

A Legacy of Craftsmanship

This beautiful carving is a prime example of South Indian temple wood carving, a tradition renowned for its skill, precision, and spiritual depth. The artisans draw inspiration from the intricate sculptures found in ancient temples, infusing their work with a reverence that is palpable. The wood itself is carefully selected for its durability and fine grain, allowing for the delicate carving of facial features, flowing garments, and ornate ornamentation. The vibrant colors, applied with a practiced hand, highlight the contours of the carving and add a layer of visual richness, making this a truly heirloom-quality piece. The base on which Lakshmi sits is equally ornate, featuring traditional motifs that further enhance the sacred aura of the sculpture.

Bringing Divine Grace into Your Home

The presence of a Lakshmi idol is believed to invite prosperity, harmony, and auspiciousness into a dwelling. Whether placed in a prayer room, a living area, or an office, this exquisite wood carving serves as a constant reminder of abundance and the blessings of the divine. It is more than just a decorative object; it is a conduit for positive energy and a symbol of hope and spiritual aspiration. In tales, Lakshmi emerged from the churning of the cosmic ocean, offering divine boons to all. Her presence is particularly sought after during festivals like Diwali, the festival of lights, where she is worshipped to usher in wealth and well-being for the coming year. This carving allows you to welcome that divine grace into your own space, fostering an atmosphere of peace and prosperity.

Sculpting Serenity: Unveiling the Art of Crafting Wood Statues

Wood has been a preferred material for sculptures and statues since ancient times. It is easy to work with than most metals and stones and therefore requires less effort to shape it into any desired shape or form. The texture of the wood gives an element of realism to the sculpture. The selection of an appropriate wood type is necessary for carving. Woods that are too resinous or coniferous are not considered good for carving as their fiber is very soft and thus lacks strength. On the other hand, wood such as Mahogany, Oakwood, Walnut wood, Weet cherry wood, etc., are preferred by sculptors because their fiber is harder. A wood sculptor uses various tools such as a pointed chisel in one hand and a mallet in another to bring the wood to the desired measurement and to make intricate details on it. A carving knife is used to cut and smooth the wood. Other tools such as the gouge, V-tool, and coping saw also serve as important tools in wood carving. Although the wood carving technique is not as complex and tough as stone carving or metal sculpting, nonetheless, a wood carver requires a high level of skills and expertise to create a stunning sculpture.

1. Selecting the right wood

The process of wood carving begins with selecting a chunk of wood that is required according to the type and shape of the statue to be created by the sculptor. Both hardwoods and softwoods are used for making artistic pieces, however, hardwoods are preferred more than softer woods because of their durability and longevity. But if heavy detailing is to be done on the statue, wood with fine grain would be needed as it would be difficult to work with hardwood.

2. Shaping the wood

Once the wood type is selected, the wood carver begins the general shaping process using gouges of various sizes. A gouge is a tool having a curved cutting edge which is useful in removing large unwanted portions of wood easily without splitting the wood. The sculptor always carves the wood across the grain of the wood and not against it.

3. Adding detailing

When a refined shape of the statue is obtained, it is time for making details on the statue using different tools. This is achieved by using tools such as a veiner to make and a V-tool to create decorative and sharp cuts.

4. Surface finishing

Once finer details have been added, the sculptor is ready to smoothen the surface and give it a perfect finish. Tools such as rasps and rifflers are used to get a smooth surface. The finer polishing is obtained by rubbing the surface with sandpaper. If a textured surface is required, this step is skipped. Finally, to protect the statue from excessive dirt accumulation, the sculptor applies natural oils such as walnut or linseed oil all over it. This also brings a natural sheen to the statue.

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.

Wood tends to expand and contract even after it has been processed, thus it is always recommended to keep the wooden sculptures in rooms with little humidity. Excess moisture can harm your masterpiece.

Periodical dusting of the finished piece is necessary to maintain its beauty as dust accumulation on the surface takes away the shine of the sculpture. You can use a clean and soft cloth or a hairbrush for this purpose.

You must avoid applying any chemical-based solutions that may damage the wood from the inside. Instead, you can apply lemon oil or coconut oil using a cotton rag to the sculpture to bring out its natural shine. Lemon oil also helps to clean any stains on the sculpture.

Applying a layer of beeswax protects the wood from sun damage and hides even the smallest imperfections on the wood.

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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