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13" Lord Ganesha Mask from Nepal

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$492

$656

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	WSA080
	Copper
	Height: 13 inch
	Width: 4 inch
	Depth: 8 inch
	Weight 1.80 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 12 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 Auspicious Beginnings

This captivating mask from Nepal is a powerful representation of Lord Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed deity revered as the remover of obstacles, the patron of arts and sciences, and the intellect. Crafted from gleaming copper, this piece embodies the divine grace and formidable presence of Ganesha, making it a striking addition to any sacred space or art collection. The intricate details showcase the artisanal skill of Nepalese craftsmen, who have long been renowned for their mastery in sculpting divine figures.

A Divine Visage

The mask portrays Ganesha in a serene yet commanding demeanor. His large, expressive eyes, possibly inlaid with gemstones, seem to gaze into the depths of existence, reflecting wisdom and compassion. The characteristic trunk, a symbol of his omniscient perception, is delicately rendered, curving with elegance. The tusks, visible and sharp, hint at his power to overcome challenges. The ornamentation adorning the mask, from the elaborate crown to the decorative earflaps and chest plate, speaks of Ganesha's regal status and his role as a benevolent protector. The hands, clasped in a devotional gesture, further emphasize his role as a divine being to whom prayers and offerings are made.

Mythological Resonance and Cultural Significance

In Hindu mythology, Ganesha is widely believed to be the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. His unique form is often attributed to a divine curse and Shiva's subsequent need to replace his son's severed head with that of an elephant. This origin story underscores his extraordinary nature and his ultimate triumph over adversity. He is invoked at the commencement of any ritual, ceremony, or undertaking, as his blessing is considered essential for success and for the removal of any impediments. The elephant's wisdom, strength, and gentle nature are all embodied by Ganesha, making him a universally adored deity across various sects of Hinduism and even in Buddhism.

Craftsmanship from the Himalayan Kingdom

Nepal, nestled in the majestic Himalayas, has a rich artistic heritage deeply intertwined with its spiritual traditions. The casting and metalwork from this region are celebrated globally for their exquisite detail and the profound spiritual energy they convey. This copper mask is a testament to this enduring legacy, reflecting centuries of artistic evolution and devotion. Each curve, each incised line, is imbued with the intention to honor and manifest the divine. The choice of copper, a metal associated with purity and auspiciousness, further enhances the spiritual significance of this artwork, making it not just an object of beauty but also a conduit for divine blessings. This mask is an authentic representation of Nepalese religious artistry, designed to inspire reverence and bring good fortune to its admirer.

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.