11" Copper Naga Kanya Statue (Snake Woman)

•

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

11" Copper Naga Kanya Statue (Snake Woman)

Email

Whatsapp

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Copy link

$900

$1200

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Only 1 available

Naga Kanya is believed to have originated from Nag Ananta, who served as the divine vehicle of Lord Vishnu. Her unique form combines the elegance of a human woman in her upper body with the serpentine lower body, resulting in her being referred to as a Snake Girl or Snake Maiden.

This dual nature embodies a profound sense of strength, encompassing both physical and spiritual dimensions. Above her crown, one can often observe hooded cobras, and she is depicted holding a conch shell in her hands, appearing to be engaged in a prayerful gesture, making an offering. While the recipient of her offering remains unspecified, her possession of the conch, an attribute of Lord Vishnu, may suggest that the offering is intended for him.

Notify me when this item is available

Specifications

	MIT142
	Copper
	Height: 11 inch
	Width: 6.5 inch
	Depth: 7.5 inch
	Weight 3.40 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 6 days
	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

Embodiment of Mystical Power and Ancient Wisdom

This exquisite statue captures the potent essence of the Naga Kanya, a mythical serpent woman revered in various Eastern traditions. Crafted from enduring copper, this piece radiates an aura of antiquity and spiritual significance. The Naga Kanya is a figure deeply woven into the tapestry of folklore and mythology, often depicted as a benevolent guardian of hidden treasures, celestial realms, and the earth's waters. In many legends, she is a bridge between the earthly and the divine, possessing profound wisdom and protective qualities. The striking imagery of the Naga Kanya, with her multiple cobra hoods forming a protective canopy, speaks to her formidable power. These hoods are not merely decorative; they symbolize vigilance, wisdom, and the ability to shield and guide. In Hinduism, the Naga are often associated with Shiva, as Vasuki, the king of serpents, who adorns his neck. They are also seen as conduits of cosmic energy and the keepers of secrets. In Buddhism, Nagas are protectors of the Dharma, guardians of sacred texts, and symbols of enlightenment. This statue draws upon these rich cultural contexts, offering a tangible representation of these powerful archetypes.

Artistry and Symbolism

The meticulous craftsmanship of this copper statue brings the Naga Kanya to life. Her serene expression, with downcast eyes, suggests introspection and inner peace, while the raised cobra hoods create a dynamic and commanding presence. The intricate detailing on her jewelry, her ornate headdress, and the scales of her serpentine lower body showcase the artisan's skill and dedication. The patina of the copper adds a layer of depth and character, hinting at centuries of devotion and veneration. The coiled form of her lower body, often depicted as a serpent's tail, further emphasizes her dual nature – both human and serpentine, terrestrial and otherworldly. This duality is central to her mystique, representing the balance between the tangible and the intangible, the known and the unknown. This statue serves as a powerful focal point for meditation, contemplation, or as a striking piece of art that evokes a sense of wonder and reverence. It is an invitation to connect with ancient narratives and the enduring spiritual currents that have shaped cultures for millennia. The Naga Kanya represents transformation, renewal, and the potent force of nature, making this statue a symbol of profound beauty and deep meaning for any collection.

How are Nepalese copper statues made?

Nepalese statues and sculptures are best known for their unique small religious figures and ritual paraphernalia for over two thousand years. These are mainly cast in copper alloy. Nepal draws influences from the artistic styles of Buddhism and Hinduism, and therefore the sculptors of the country specialize in making the icons of both these religions. Over the years, Nepalese sculptures evolved into their own distinctive iconography. Some characteristic features of these sculptures that differ from other pieces are exaggerated physical postures, youthful and sensual features, languid eyes, wider faces having serene expressions, and ornate flourishes. The Buddhist deity icons of Nepal have tremendous demand in countries such as China and Tibet for ritual purposes in their temples and monasteries.

Nepalese statues and sculptures have a high copper content and therefore develop a slightly reddish patina on the surface as they age. However, the most unique feature of Nepalese copper statues is their decorative detailing. The pieces are heavily gilded and sometimes inlaid with semi-precious stones. This embellishment protects them from getting tarnished. The traditional lost-wax method for casting Nepalese copper statues remains the most practiced technique in Nepal for many centuries. This process involves many steps and requires skilled artists.

The first step in lost-wax sculpting is to make a wax replica of the desired Buddhist deity to be cast in copper. This replica is created by hand and therefore needs excellent artistic skills otherwise fine features will be lacking.

Once the wax replica is made, it is then coated with a special mixture of clay with a brush. This layer of clay is hardened when left to dry. A small hole is made on the base of the wax mould so that the wax flows away when it is heated.

At this stage, a hollow mould in the shape of the deity is obtained.

This is the time to pour liquid copper into the hollow mould which is then allowed to cool and harden inside a container of cold water. When the liquid metal has hardened, the mould is removed and the statue within is revealed.

The artist works on the details of the statue using various tools. It is then polished to get a shiny and lustrous surface.

Now comes the most important part of Nepalese art which is gold gilding. This is done by the traditional fire gilding method. A mixture of mercury and 18K gold is applied on the surface of the statue and heat is applied using a flame torch. The result is that mercury evaporates along with impurities, leaving a pure 24K gold finish.

The lost-wax method of sculpting is the most preferred technique

for artists to cast a metallic statue having intricate details. Since Nepalese copper sculptures require extraneous effort for giving a majestic look by adding special embellishments, it takes several weeks to complete one masterpiece. A 24K gold gilded copper sculpture retains its brilliant luster for many years and appears as like before. Nepalese sculptures continue to remain one of the finest specimens of the art of the East that have a strong aesthetic appeal that other sculptures cannot match.