This wood-carved work depicts Devi Lakshmi in all Her lissome beauty. Her feet are on the delicate bed of a lotus, as She stands with a pair of hands raised in blessing and another holding lotuses. A dhoti of lustrous green silk clothes Her from the navel downwards; the rest of Her is clad in nothing but divine shringar. A towering crown and the halo behind Her head complete the soothing chhavi (image) of Her handsome mukhamandal (countenance).
This contemporary sculpture bears all the hallmarks of the Southern style of temple architecture. Besides, there is the expressive silhouette lent by the organic medium, and the earthy colour palette made up of rich burnt browns, greens, and oranges. While not a lot of our wooden sculptures seem to have survived the ravages of time, works like these pay homage to both the art and the shraddha contained therein.
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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