The magic that a skilled artist is capable of casting through their art, on the senses of the onlooker is intoxicating. A perfect example of that allure is this cedarwood statue- Kumbh Kanya, literally, the lady with a pot.
Carved by the woodworker of Trivandrum (Kerala), this wooden statue has a young water carrier as its model. She stands self-assuredly, giving us a chance to appreciate her beauty fully. Through an interplay of deep and shallow carvings, the artist has created a charming visual effect- fine lines used in creating her hair, eyebrows, flesh-folds on her neck, creases of her blouse, and decoration of the pot she carries. On the other hand, the depth in carving successfully forms her enchanting eyes and immaculate jewellery. Cutting and polishing on the lower section of the statue create a believable recreation of the lady holding her skirt to save it from getting wet or dirty. By looking closely near her feet, you can feel the softness of the muddy ground on which the Kumbh Kanya is standing- softness refabricated in wood.
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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