Hand of the Mountain Carver

Hand of the Mountain Carver II reflects Parviz Tanavoli’s enduring fascination with the hand as a symbol of creation, labor, and cultural memory. The sculpture evokes the act of carving stone—an ancient human gesture that links the body directly to the permanence of the natural world.

Rendered in bronze, the stylized hand appears both powerful and restrained, emerging from a solid base that suggests weight, resistance, and endurance. The extended fingers convey motion and intention, while the compact composition anchors the work in material gravity. The polished surface captures light with subtle variations, emphasizing the tactile quality of the form and reinforcing its sculptural presence.

Created in 2007, this work belongs to Tanavoli’s broader exploration of human gesture as a vessel for meaning, tradition, and identity. Bridging myth, craftsmanship, and modern abstraction, Hand of the Mountain Carver II stands as a testament to the artist’s ability to transform universal symbols into timeless sculptural language.