Carved out of a single block of soft wood is the bust of Sakyamuni Gautama, the most widely represented Mortal Buddha. Here is shown with his eyes closed, an aqualine nose and a smile conveying internal content. The artist has carved a perfectly oval face, arched eyebrows and heavy lids. The inward development of the Buddha is reflected in the development of certain outward marks (lakshanas). Buddha actually has thirty-two superior and eighty inferior auspicious outward marks indicative of his spiritual attainment. The most important of the thirty-two superior marks in the full sized 'usnisa' (the protuberance of the skull), which becomes the receptacle for the divine manas (mind). Here the artist, in his enthusiasm to depict it in accordance with description in the texts makes it look like a pyramid. The other signs visible here are the urna (a small, round protuberance above the bride of the nose) depicted as a dot. Prominently sculpted are the long lobed ears, completing the perfect picture of the peaceful Buddha.
This description by Renu Rana
Of Related Interest:
Buddha Head (Grey Stone Sculpture)
Four Headed Buddha (Green Stone Sculpture)
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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