Vintage Hanuman Statuette

This is a vintage wooden statuette of Lord Hanuman from Maharashtra in polychromed wood. He is seated in a cross legged position with his hands resting on his thighs. The intricate details like his wide eyes, vishnu mark(Lord Rama was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) on his forehead & upper arms gives it a lifelike appearance. Lord Hanuman's mace is placed near his feet, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal of the statue. The swirl of his tail over his head on the back further emphasizes the statue's beauty and complexity. 

The sculpture is a testament to the craftsmanship and skill of the artist who created it. It would make for an excellent addition to any collection of art or artifacts related to mythology or culture.

History of use of statues of gods in Indian religious culture: The history of statues in Indian religious culture spans over two millennia, showcasing diverse styles. The Mauryan era saw the emergence of stone-carved statues, marked by a certain austerity and simplicity. In subsequent centuries, during the Gupta period, sculptors honed their skills, producing lifelike, highly detailed statues. The Gupta style emphasized grace, idealized proportions, and exquisite facial expressions, exemplified by the iconic standing Buddha statues of Sarnath. As time progressed, regional variations emerged. In the South, the Chola dynasty excelled in bronze casting, creating dynamic, sensuous depictions of deities. In the North, the Rajput and Pala dynasties contributed distinctive styles, characterized by intricate ornamentation and unique iconographic features. The Mughal era brought about a synthesis of Persian and Indian artistic traditions, exemplified by the elegant marble reliefs and intricately carved jalis (latticed screens) in Mughal architecture.