A miniature sculpture of the Buddha made from pure brass. It depicts Him seated in padmasana, the king of the dhyani (contemplative) yogic stances.
An almsbowl in the palm of His left hand, indicative of the years of wandering and mendicancy leading up to His enlightenment. The right hand raised in infinite blessing. The withdrawn composure of a handsome countenance.
This chhavi (image) of the Buddha is one of the most calming sights to the devotee. From the princely features of the erstwhile Shakyamuni to the stance of His beauteous body, it exudes a sattvik calm and stillness.
It is said that the wandering monk had sought some rest in the shade of a fig tree in Gaya. Having been irreversibly drawn in by its luxuriant canopy, He attained to Buddhahood shortly thereafter. In the work of art that you see on this page, the little Buddha figurine is set off by a wood-sculpted aureole designed to resemble the canopy of the Indian fig.
The delicately curving silhouette of the stem, wide-set roots, and an abundance of leaf and branch that kiss the very roots of the tree. A round, perfectly symmetrical silhouette adds to the aesthetics of the composition. The different media used to put together this composite work makes for an interesting colour palette. A jet black base that brings out the polished gold colour of the brass, and the deep brown shades of the Bodhi tree aureole with overtones of black.
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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