Buddhist Kubera Seated On A Pedestal Of Flattened-Out Lotus Pedestal

The finish of this Kuber-Deva statue befits His status as Lord of the divine treasury. And it is no ordinary treasury that He presides over - it comprises of the rich earth, its gorgeous mountains, the jewels and mineral riches annealed in its bosom. Hindus and Buddhists turn to Lord Kubera to pray for the protection and preservation of what they value, and the sculpture of Him that you see on this page would inspire just that kind of devotion.

His form is somewhat dwarfish, highlighted by a befitting paunch (after all, wealth translates to a great appetite). A silk dhoti clothes Him from the navel downwards, while a world of gold jewellery adorns His torso, arms, and ankles. The most distinctive aspects of His shringar are the snakes among His necklaces and the gorgeous kundalas that graze His collar-bones.

A number of iconographic typicalities give away the Buddhist roots of this work of art. The well-defined features upon a broad, angular face; the twirling sashes floating about Him, adding symmetry to the composition; and the crown of five spires that encases His jatamukuta. Note the mongoose in His left hand, an unputdownably Buddhist imagery of Lord Kubera. While a lotus pedestal may not be all that unconventional in Indian devotional art, the fact that this one comprises of flattened-out petals makes this an unusual pick for your space.