Garuda 18th century

This small wooden sculpture of Garuda was created by Tori in Japan, sometime in the 18th century. The dark wood is carved with a remarkable level of detail, especially considering the sculpture's size, with lines defining the curls of the hair and sharp edges giving form to the face. This creates a tactile presence, with a smooth surface contrasted against deeply carved features. The sculpture captures Garuda as a complex figure. Note how Tori masterfully plays with symmetry and asymmetry. The face is largely symmetrical, yet the slightly uneven eyes and mouth give it a dynamic, almost unsettling quality. This tension reflects a broader cultural discourse, a departure from the purely divine. The exaggerated features invite us to question fixed notions of the sacred. Look again at the texture and the intricate carving of the wood. This emphasis on materiality functions not just aesthetically but also as part of a larger philosophical dialogue. The sculpture destabilizes established meanings, values, and categories. It invites ongoing interpretation and re-interpretation.