In the wooden sculpture that you see on this page, the togetherness of Lakshmi-Narasimha has been captured in perfect harmony. The fiercest and the most merciless of all the Vishnu-avataras, the half-nara (man) and half-simha (lion or beast) Lord Narasimha is uncontainable. No wonder the great daitya King Hiranyakashipu met his end in the hands of this relentless and unforgiving incarnation (‘avatara’).
Yet, here He is in perfect serenity in the company of His wife, Devi Lakshmi. Next to Him She is petite, a little slip of a perfectly serene nari (woman, antonym of nara). She sits gathered in the great lap of Her leonine husband. She wields a lotus in the right of Her two hands (in Her associated iconography, She is the dvibhujadharini or possessed of two arms) and directs straight ahead Her all-encompassing gaze.
Situated on a high plinth made of lotus-shapes layered one upon another, the figures have been carved with a great deal of detail. For example, the precise, symmetrical engravings on the plinth. The lifelike cascade of the mane of Narasimha. The superb contours of the Devi’s miniature face and figure. Finally, the attire and adornment of their respective persons.
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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