Garuda is said to be the devourer of all the evils on earth; it is an immortal mythological bird revered by Hindus and Buddhists alike. This king of birds is the vahana of Lord Vishnu and is said to exterminate the entire oceans full of snakes. In Mahabharata he is invoked as a symbol of impetuous force, speed and martial prowess. This statue shown here is carved out of superfine teak wood by expert artists from South India. Its superb stability, strength, resistance to decay and shine enhances the beauty of the sculpture.
In Hindu tradition, Garuda is depicted in an iconography of a mix of man and bird; he has the torso and arms of a strong man and the long glimmering feathers that spread out from behind his back, are like that of an eagle. Have a look at the stylishly chiselled feathers in beautiful layers and the uniquely styled long nose symbolizing the beak of the eagle. He sits here with one knee down on a sleek and long double lotus pedestal carved in alluring patterns. Garuda is either shown as carrying Vishnu’s emblems or when his hands are empty, they are held in Anjali mudra, as shown in this statue, paying obeisance to the deities.
He is garbed here in a short dhoti having horizontal creases all around and his various adornments including long beaded necklaces, earrings, bracelets and anklets are rendered from serpents. The long flower haloed crown is carved densely in a distinctive styled pattern. The calmness of his eyes and the delicate smile highlights the generosity in his deeds.
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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