The boar-faced incarnation of Lord Vishnu- Sri Varaha is one of the 10 forms, Dashavatara, of the preserver god. As per the legends in Hinduism, when the demon Hiranyaksh stole the Earth and took her into the depths of the great ocean.
Vishnu as the divinity responsible for the protection of creation took the form of a magnificent boar, killed the demon, and salvaged earth. Presenting this potent form of Lord Vishnu with a vintage touch, this wooden artwork is an aesthetic and ritualistic sacred icon.
Due to his association with the safeguarding of Earth or Bhudevi, Varaha came to be worshipped by royals who wanted to be seen as the protectors of their realm and people, becoming a representative or embodiment of the qualities of Vishnu on Earth.
This idea of the king as Varaha or vice-a-versa can be seen here, on this beautifully crafted wood panel, showing Varaha on a lotus-shaped throne along with the goddess Earth, who is often considered Vishnu’s co-consort, with Lakshmi. Such images are commonly known as Bhu-Varaha illustrations, where Vishnu as Varaha is presented as Bhupati, the protector and husband of the earth goddess.
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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