A rare vintage pair of hand-painted wooden busts depicting Shiva and Parvati, carved in the traditional Kinhal craft style and set on base stands. Deep red and full of presence, it’s a true statement piece for any home.

ome pieces decorate a room, and some define it. This pair is the latter.

Shiva and Parvati, the divine couple, represent the balance of strength and grace, stillness and energy, and the masculine and feminine. Here they are brought to life as two striking faces, carved in wood and painted by hand in rich, deep red, each resting on its own base stand.

It is a vintage find, collected from India’s old markets, carrying the quiet character that only time can give. There is only one pair, and it won’t be repeated.

The busts are carved in the style of Kinhal craft, from a small town in North Karnataka where woodcarving has been practised for centuries. The craft flourished under the Vijayanagara Empire, whose artisans are said to have worked on the great temple chariots of Hampi, and it is kept alive today by the Chitragar community. Kinhal pieces are carved from light local wood, smoothed with a natural paste, and painted by hand in vivid colours. The tradition is renowned for its expressive faces and temple idols.

Displayed together on a console, mantel or in an entryway, the pair commands attention. It’s a conversation piece for collectors, and a meaningful gift for a wedding, anniversary or housewarming.