hand carved animals

According to Hindu mythology, vahanas are animal or mythological creatures that deities use as vehicles. So if you were wondering why god Ganesha is often depicted with a mouse by his side, it's because it is his vahana. The two of them are the inspiration behind artisan Ashish Mehta's spectacular sculpture hand-carved from local kadam wood in India that will be a focal point anywhere you choose to display it.

Sitting on a splendid throne, Lord Ganesha blesses those who are faithful. He is also known as Vinayak ("Knowledgeable") or Vighneshwer ("God to Remove Obstacles"). Regarded as a benevolent deity, he is always called upon to bless any auspicious event. From Suresh and Devender Garg, this fantastic sculpture is hand-carved from kadam wood with rich detail and vivid artistry.

Ganesha is the son of the mighty god Siwa and the Goddess Parwati. Legend tells that while pregnant, a powerful demon appeared wanting to destroy heaven. The only thing that could destroy the demon and prevent the destruction of heaven was a demi-god who is neither animal nor human, but rather a combination of the two. The group of gods thus brought an elephant before Parwati, who had just given birth. She cast a powerful spell causing her newborn baby to take on characteristics of the powerful elephant and, in effect, creating the half-animal, half-man demi-god that could fight off the demon. The baby Ganesha then succeeded in killing the cruel demon and solidifying his legend.

Hindu goddess Saraswati is praised to be the deity of wisdom, knowledge and the arts. Artisans Motilal and Ayush pay tribute to Saraswati with this sculpture made from local kadam wood and filled with exquisite details carved by hand.

Balaji is an incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu, also known for his avatars Venkateswara, Krishna or Govindha. Many temples are devoted to him in Tirupati, considered a holy city in India and one of the largest pilgrimage centres in the world. Balaji is depicted in meticulous hand-carved detail in a breathtaking sculpture made from kadam wood and designed by artisans Motilal and Ayush.

Indian artisans exquisitely carve by hand teak wood in great detail for this majestic sculpture of the god Krishna playing his magical flute. The superb sculpture features lotus bud motifs all around in a wonderful decorative accent presented by Rahul Jain that will give a unique touch to your ambiance.

Krishna is depicted playing the flute to win over and tame the raging bull Hastin, known for being the fiercest bull in Vrindavan, the city where some believe the Hindu god lived during his childhood. This splendid teak wood sculpture presented by Rahul Jain will take everyone's breath away thanks to the carving work done by hand in great detail.

Telling his story, the elephant-headed Hindu god Ganesha is depicted in this amazing sculpture from Bali. Wayan Rendah hand-carves the deity, known as "remover of obstacles," from rich suar wood with a beautiful natural grain. Ganesha arches his back to form an elegant hoop with his body. In his left hand he holds a lontar, which is an ancient Balinese transcript.

Standing in a relaxed posture atop a lotus flower, the wonderful Ganesha from Hindu scriptures is depicted in this sculpture from Bali. Capturing every small detail with a high degree of precision Wayan Rendah diligently hand-carves the elephant-headed deity from suar wood with a rich natural grain. Ganesha is known as "remover of obstacles," and is a source of guidance, peace, and comfort for many.