The most auspicious union in three realms, the marriage of Shiva and Parvati has been captured in the oral, literary, and artistic traditions of India, as a moment when the Srishti experienced heavenliness in all its glory. In Southern India, the togetherness of Shiva and Shakti is remembered in the narrative of “Meenakshi-Kalyanam”, the marriage of Meenakshi or Parvati with Shiva, where Vishnu becomes the brother of Parvati, offering her hand in marriage to Shiva.
Inspired by the visual representation of Meenakshi-Kalyanam on the walls of South Indian sanctums, this wooden statue depicts Shiva as a celestial groom, with a divine red form, accompanied by Uma-Parvati, a youthful female with charming sandalwood skin, and Vishnu. The stances and expressions of the three beings, and the act of Paanigrahan, or taking the hand of the bride in which, they are engaged, bring a narrative beauty to the statue.
The marriage of the supreme male and female aspects of the Universe is celebrated by all beings, represented by the earthly sages in the lower section of the artwork, and the flying celestial beings in the upper section, holding floral garlands that become a halo to the celestial scene.
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.
For privacy concerns, please view our Privacy Policy
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist