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MADE IN INDIA.

17" Ornament Throne From Nepal

$1317
$1756
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Only 1 available
Specifications
NLH080
Copper With Gold
Height: 17 inch
Width: 8 inch
Depth: 5 inch
Weight 4.80 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 6 days
Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
Free Delivery
Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Celestial Pedestal of Divine Radiance

This magnificent ornament throne, meticulously crafted in Nepal, is a breathtaking testament to the intricate artistry and profound spiritual symbolism of the region. Forged from rich copper and lavished with lustrous gold, it radiates an aura of divine majesty and ancient wisdom. Standing at an impressive height, this piece transcends mere decoration, serving as a sacred vessel designed to hold objects of spiritual significance, perhaps even representations of deities or precious relics. Its elaborate design is a visual narrative, drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of Buddhist and Hindu mythology.

Symbolism of the Serpent and the Celestial Being

The ornate archway crowning the throne is a visual spectacle, featuring a prominent celestial being in flight, its form dynamic and powerful. This figure evokes the divine messengers and celestial entities that inhabit the realms beyond our perception, beings often depicted in Buddhist iconography as protectors or guides. Embracing the curves of the arch, coiled green serpents add another layer of symbolic depth. In many Eastern traditions, serpents represent fertility, rebirth, and primordial energy. They can also symbolize the forces of nature and the cyclical nature of existence. The dynamic interplay between the soaring celestial being and the grounded, powerful serpents suggests a harmonious balance of cosmic forces, representing the interconnectedness of all things.

The Foundation of Sacred Adornment

The base of the throne is an elaborate tableau of finely rendered figures and motifs. The sides are adorned with intricately carved scenes, depicting figures in motion, perhaps representing worldly pursuits or spiritual journeys. Guardians, depicted with leonine features, stand watch at the corners of the upper platform, signifying protection and vigilance over the sacred object placed upon it. The lower pedestal is similarly embellished, with detailed carvings that speak to a devotion to the divine and an appreciation for the symbolic language of art. This foundation is not merely structural; it is a richly ornamented stage, prepared to elevate and honor whatever it is destined to display.

A Legacy of Craftsmanship

Originating from Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual heritage and renowned for its exceptional metalwork, this throne embodies a tradition passed down through generations. The precise, detailed work, the skillful application of gold, and the deep understanding of symbolic imagery all point to the mastery of Nepalese artisans. Such pieces were historically commissioned for monasteries, temples, or the private devotional spaces of royalty and wealthy patrons, serving as focal points for meditation, prayer, and artistic contemplation. Owning this ornament throne is to possess a piece of this enduring legacy, a tangible link to a culture that imbues art with profound spiritual meaning. It is an object that inspires awe, invites reflection, and elevates the very concept of adornment to a sacred art form.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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