Figure of a Bird

National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy

Title : Figure of a Bird

Accession No : 58/13/382 (1)

The sculpture showcases a painted Vahana in the shape of a peacock standing on a rectangular base with four small legs. It has a seat on its back and is holding a string like figure in his beak.

Gallery


Provenance

  • StateTamil Nadu

Dimensions

  • Measurement (CMS)42 × 41× 25

Significance

  • Socio economicIndia has a long history of artistic wood carving. Though traditionally wood has been used for making furniture, toys, ploughs, among others, India has seen wood carving since yore. Emperor Ashoka's palace at Pataliputra was made in wood, and the grand temple at Bodh Gaya as well.
  • ArtisticThe craft of wood carving covers a wide variety of subjects. Most people are interested in Hindu deities. The artwork is intricate in nature and typically depicts scenes and figures from Hindu mythology. Additionally, India is full with ornamental plaques, wooden toys, panels, doors and doorways, screens, and intricate furniture with floral designs, inlay work, lacquered wood, jaali work, animal and bird figures. Additionally carved into the furniture are tiger legs, elephant heads, and legendary creatures.

Description

  • DescriptionThe sculpture showcases a painted Vahana in the shape of a peacock standing on a rectangular base with four small legs. It has a seat on its back and is holding a string like figure in his beak.
  • Inscription/Markings No
  • Reference" Ranjan, Aditi. Handmade in India: Crafts of India. Edited by Aditi Ranjan & M. P. Ranjan. Ahmedabad: Council of Handicraft Development Corporations, 2007. Michell, George. Ed. Living Wood: Sculptural Traditions of Southern India. Mumbai: Marg Publications, 1991"
  • KeywordVahana, Peacock, Bird, Wooden, Artware, South