18" Garudasana Vishnu Idol from Nepal | Nepalese Copper Statue

•

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.

18" Garudasana Vishnu Idol from Nepal | Nepalese Copper Statue

Email

Whatsapp

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Copy link

$304.50

$406

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

From the splendor of the Garuda in Anjali Mudra at the Darbar square of Kathmandu to the bronze gilt images and sculptures of the divine bird, Vishnu’s celestial mount is a popular and powerful presence in Nepalese Hindu culture. A guardian deity and protector of the sacred land, Garuda has a special place in the Newari tradition of the valley. This copper statue from Nepal presents the characteristic form of the bird, as the mount or asana of Sri Vishnu, the protector of the cosmos.

Garuda’s potencies are expressed by the makers of the statue by giving him a large-than-life appearance, with wings swaying on his sides, a gaping beak, large eyes, and a dynamic pose, in which Garuda seems to be readying himself to make a jump. Vishnu, in the traditional Nepalese iconography, is delineated with exquisite details, placed on the shoulders of Garuda, his legs dangling in the front, held by the anthropomorphic bird in his hands, symbolizing his devotion to his Lord.

Notify me when this item is available

Specifications

	WSA086
	Copper
	Height: 18.5 inch
	Width: 6 inch
	Depth: 12.5 inch
	Weight 4.26 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 15 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.

The Divine Garuda in Majestic Form

This striking copper statue depicts Garuda, the divine mount of Lord Vishnu, in a commanding posture. Crafted with exceptional skill in Nepal, a land steeped in rich artistic and spiritual traditions, this idol embodies both strength and devotion. The depiction of Garuda is powerful, with wings spread wide, signifying his celestial speed and dominion over the skies. His eagle-like visage is both fearsome and noble, a testament to his role as a protector and warrior. The intricate detailing of his musculature and the ornate golden accents highlight the masterful craftsmanship of the Nepalese artisans.

Mythological Significance and Cultural Reverence

In Hindu mythology, Garuda is a prominent figure, revered as the king of birds and the eternal enemy of the serpent race (Nagas). He is most famously known as the vahana, or vehicle, of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. Tales abound of Garuda's prowess, including his famous rescue of the celestial nectar (amrita) from the gods. His unwavering loyalty to Vishnu and his potent power against evil make him a symbol of courage, speed, and righteous victory. This statue captures the essence of Garuda's divine power and his inseparable connection to Lord Vishnu, who is often depicted seated upon his majestic form. The representation of Garuda in this Garudasana (Garuda's pose) posture is a significant iconographic element, underscoring his readiness for action and his supreme authority.

Artistry and Devotion from the Himalayas

This magnificent sculpture originates from Nepal, a country renowned for its heritage of Buddhist and Hindu art. The Nepalese tradition of metal casting is ancient and highly respected, passed down through generations. The use of copper, a metal associated with purity and prosperity, further enhances the spiritual aura of the piece. The artists have meticulously rendered the form, imbuing it with a sense of dynamism and divine presence. The dark patina of the copper, contrasted with the shimmering gold inlay, creates a visually captivating effect, drawing the viewer into the mythic narrative. This idol is not merely an object of art but a conduit for devotion, inviting contemplation and reverence for the divine forces it represents. It serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of Nepalese artistry and the profound spiritual beliefs it seeks to immortalize.

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.