Endowed with the Power to Transcend the Devotional Mind Beyond the Cob-Webs of this World into the Realm of Spiritual Experience....

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Item Code:	ZAQ47
Specifications:	South Indian Temple Wood Carving
Height:	35.5 inch
Width:	23.5 inch
Depth:	6 inch
Weight:	17.46 kg

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This wood-carving, endowed with the power to transcend the devotional mind beyond the cob-webs of this world into the realm of spiritual experience, represents the monkey god Hanuman, the protector in all adversities and from every enemy, however powerful, even a malady or death. Carved as seated in ‘padmasana – cross-legged posture, and palms laid upwards in his lap : a characteristic Yogic posture more common in Jain iconography, this image of the monkey god represents him as engaged in meditation. Though in mythical tradition, besides Shiva, Hanuman is the only other divinity who is revered as one who resorted to Yoga and meditation, the devotional mind that has fixed into it his image as the redeemer in crisis – one always engaged in an act, does not accept him in a Yogi’s posture.

Though most humble always denying having any virtue or strength of his own but all his Master’s, in many moments of crisis when Rama felt helpless, or feigned to look like, Hanuman rose to the occasion and was his Master’s redeemer. Hanuman is worshipped across all theological lines in India – Hinduism, Jainism or Buddhism, as the most potent redeemer in adversities. Millions across the world invoke him for redeeming them from difficulties and for protecting in crisis and from harms. The most often chanted hymn : ‘Ko nahin janat hai jag mein Kapi Sankat Mochan nama timharo’ – who knows not in the world, O Monkey God, redeemer in crisis is thy name, most aptly portrays the picture of Hanuman that millions across generations have and had in minds. Curiously, even Barak Obama, the President of America – the most powerful individual in the world, accepted not only that he revered Hanuman but also that he drew inspiration from him.

Hanuman-Chalisa – the verse consisting of forty couplets, revered as one of the most powerful ‘mantras’ – hymns, commemorated across secretarial line, lauds him as one who abounds in him unfathomable knowledge, immeasurable virtues and unparalleled might, and further, that it is the lustre of his name that all three world illuminate. Unparalleled in might Hanuman frees from evil mind and inspires right understanding. An emissary of Rama he is the bridge between his devotees and his Master, and thus, a redeemer from worldliness as also from the cycle of birth and death. The most widely worshipped divinity in entire Hindu pantheon Hanuman has dedicated to him a far greater number of shrines than has even Rama, his master. Not merely his devotees or human beings in general enshrining a valley he protects its ascent and descent, enshrining a fort’s entrance he protects the fort, village-boundaries and every premise that he enshrines. The legendary courier of Sanjivini, the herb that saved Lakshmana’s life, merely by commemorating his name all ailments are cured.

An excellent piece of art, rare in plasticity and modeling, and sublimity enshrining his entire being, the statue consists of three parts : an elevated platform composed of two units, each multi-tiered, the image of the monkey god as engaged in meditation, and the ‘prabhawali’ – fire-arch, along with an elaborately carved Shrimukha, its apex. The base unit of the platform consists of four mouldings, two of which are plain while the other two have been embellished with conventionalized lotus motifs. The platform’s upper unit also consists of conventionalized lotus motifs, though these are more elaborate and better defined. This towering seat enshrines the image of the monkey god seated in Yogic posture. The image of Hanuman comprises the centre and the focal point of the statue. His tail, larger in proportion to the rest of the image, has been delightfully coiled on his back. He is completely absorbed in meditation, perhaps commemorating the name of his master Rama, the Lord of all three worlds. Mace, his instrument by which he protects his devotee, lies opposite him. The ‘Prabhawali’, consisting of conventionalized lotus motifs and an elaborate Shrimukha on its top, that his image enshrines, rises over the base unit of the platform. In its unity the statue is simply outstanding.

This description by Prof. P.C. Jain and Dr. Daljeet. Prof. Jain specializes on the aesthetics of literature and is the author of numerous books on Indian art and culture. Dr. Daljeet is the curator of the Miniature Painting Gallery, National Museum, New Delhi. They have both collaborated together on a number of books.

Sculpting Serenity: Unveiling the Art of Crafting Wood Statues

Wood has been a preferred material for sculptures and statues since ancient times. It is easy to work with than most metals and stones and therefore requires less effort to shape it into any desired shape or form. The texture of the wood gives an element of realism to the sculpture. The selection of an appropriate wood type is necessary for carving. Woods that are too resinous or coniferous are not considered good for carving as their fiber is very soft and thus lacks strength. On the other hand, wood such as Mahogany, Oakwood, Walnut wood, Weet cherry wood, etc., are preferred by sculptors because their fiber is harder. A wood sculptor uses various tools such as a pointed chisel in one hand and a mallet in another to bring the wood to the desired measurement and to make intricate details on it. A carving knife is used to cut and smooth the wood. Other tools such as the gouge, V-tool, and coping saw also serve as important tools in wood carving. Although the wood carving technique is not as complex and tough as stone carving or metal sculpting, nonetheless, a wood carver requires a high level of skills and expertise to create a stunning sculpture.

1. Selecting the right wood

The process of wood carving begins with selecting a chunk of wood that is required according to the type and shape of the statue to be created by the sculptor. Both hardwoods and softwoods are used for making artistic pieces, however, hardwoods are preferred more than softer woods because of their durability and longevity. But if heavy detailing is to be done on the statue, wood with fine grain would be needed as it would be difficult to work with hardwood.

2. Shaping the wood

Once the wood type is selected, the wood carver begins the general shaping process using gouges of various sizes. A gouge is a tool having a curved cutting edge which is useful in removing large unwanted portions of wood easily without splitting the wood. The sculptor always carves the wood across the grain of the wood and not against it.

3. Adding detailing

When a refined shape of the statue is obtained, it is time for making details on the statue using different tools. This is achieved by using tools such as a veiner to make and a V-tool to create decorative and sharp cuts.

4. Surface finishing

Once finer details have been added, the sculptor is ready to smoothen the surface and give it a perfect finish. Tools such as rasps and rifflers are used to get a smooth surface. The finer polishing is obtained by rubbing the surface with sandpaper. If a textured surface is required, this step is skipped. Finally, to protect the statue from excessive dirt accumulation, the sculptor applies natural oils such as walnut or linseed oil all over it. This also brings a natural sheen to the statue.

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.

Wood tends to expand and contract even after it has been processed, thus it is always recommended to keep the wooden sculptures in rooms with little humidity. Excess moisture can harm your masterpiece.

Periodical dusting of the finished piece is necessary to maintain its beauty as dust accumulation on the surface takes away the shine of the sculpture. You can use a clean and soft cloth or a hairbrush for this purpose.

You must avoid applying any chemical-based solutions that may damage the wood from the inside. Instead, you can apply lemon oil or coconut oil using a cotton rag to the sculpture to bring out its natural shine. Lemon oil also helps to clean any stains on the sculpture.

Applying a layer of beeswax protects the wood from sun damage and hides even the smallest imperfections on the wood.

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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