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MADE IN INDIA.

8" Ganesha Copper Figurine from Nepal

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$468.75

$625

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

As in India so in Nepal, Sri Ganesha is a beloved deity, worshipped by his followers for protection and auspiciousness in life. This statue of Ganesha from Nepal is sculpted in classic iconography of the region, depicting the elephant-faced Lord sitting on a lotus throne in the regal Maharajalilasana. The features of the sculpture are such that it bears a striking resemblance to the statue of Kubera or Jambhala, the deity of wealth, often depicted in the same posture, with his mongoose (replaced by Ganesha’s rat in this icon).

Other than his characteristic features popular in Hinduism of India, Ganesha in Newari Hinduism carries a reddish, visible in his right hand, as a symbol of the crops that he protects, ensuring abundance in the homes of his devotees.

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Specifications

	WSA032
	Copper
	Height: 8 inch
	Width: 4 inch
	Depth: 7 inch
	Weight 1.56 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.

The Remover of Obstacles: A Nepalese Ganesha Masterpiece

This exquisite copper figurine, meticulously crafted in Nepal, embodies the divine presence of Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed deity revered as the god of wisdom, intellect, and prosperity. With its substantial presence and intricate detailing, this piece is more than just a statue; it is a conduit to the spiritual heart of the Himalayas.

A Form of Divine Auspiciousness

Ganesha, known affectionately as Vighnaharta (the remover of obstacles), is one of the most worshipped deities in the Hindu pantheon. His form is symbolic: the elephant head signifies wisdom and intellect, the large ears represent the ability to listen intently, and the trunk, capable of both great strength and delicate precision, symbolizes adaptability. The broken tusk, often depicted, refers to his sacrifice in writing down the Mahabharata, the epic poem. In this representation, Ganesha is seated in a tranquil posture, a gesture of peace and contemplation. His multiple arms, a common iconography, hold various symbolic implements, each with its own profound meaning. The offering in one hand, possibly a sweet, represents the rewards of spiritual effort, while the axe in another signifies the severing of attachments and ignorance.

Craftsmanship Steeped in Tradition

The art of sculpting deities from copper in Nepal has a rich lineage, deeply intertwined with the devotional practices of both Hinduism and Buddhism that flourish in the region. Nepalese artisans draw upon centuries of skill and a profound understanding of religious iconography. This figurine reflects that heritage, with each curve and line imbued with devotional intent. The warm, burnished copper finish lends a timeless aura, suggesting an antiquity that belies its creation. The intricate carvings adorning Ganesha’s crown, jewelry, and the lotus-petal base speak to the patience and dedication of the artist, transforming mere metal into a sacred artifact. The small figure of a mouse at his feet, Ganesha's vahana (vehicle), adds a touch of charm and completeness to the composition, symbolizing humility and overcoming the ego.

A Focal Point for Blessings and Serenity

Placing this Ganesha figurine in your home or office is an invitation for good fortune, wisdom, and the removal of life's challenges. It serves as a constant reminder of Ganesha's benevolent presence, offering a focal point for prayer, meditation, and positive intention. Its presence can transform a space, infusing it with an atmosphere of peace, learning, and spiritual aspiration. This piece is an ideal gift for anyone seeking blessings, embarking on new ventures, or simply wishing to bring a touch of divine elegance and cultural richness into their lives. It is a testament to the enduring power of faith and the exceptional artistry that Nepal offers to the world.

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.