Buddhism's
powerful deity Kubera or Vaishravana, who rules over the Northern region, is
revered by followers for both worldly and spiritual richness. This copper statue
of Kubera depicts him in his wrathful form as a fervent defender of
his followers against wicked powers and ignorance. His form's beautiful blue
color contrasts sharply with the red outlines of his features, whose
beauty is accentuated by the employment of dynamic detailing that gives the
composition a sense of dynamism. In this emblem, Kubera represents his rule
over the wealth of the three kingdoms while holding the conch in one hand and
the jewel-dispelling Moongose in the other.
Embodiment of Wealth and Prosperity
This exquisite copper idol captures the benevolent yet formidable presence of Kubera, the king of the Yakshas and the divine treasurer of the gods. Crafted with meticulous detail in Nepal, a land steeped in rich spiritual traditions, this statue is more than just an object of art; it is a conduit to invoking abundance and good fortune. The vibrant cobalt blue skin, often associated with the vastness of the sky and the depths of the ocean, signifies Kubera's supreme authority over material wealth. His posture, seated regally upon an ornate base, conveys a sense of stability and enduring power, inviting prosperity into your home or sacred space.
––––––––––––––––––Symbolism and Iconography
Kubera's iconography is rich with meaning. His third eye, often depicted on his forehead, symbolizes his divine insight and foresight, allowing him to dispense wealth wisely. The golden ornaments adorning his body, including his crown, necklaces, and bracelets, are testaments to his dominion over precious metals and jewels. The prominent belly signifies his role as the guardian of treasures and his abundance. In one hand, he often holds a mongoose disgorging jewels, a potent symbol of overcoming poverty and the inexhaustible flow of wealth. The intricate detailing of the robe, rendered in rich reds and embellished with golden patterns, speaks to the opulence and grandeur associated with this deity. The serpent coiled around his arm further enhances the mystique, representing both power and the cyclical nature of fortune. This Nepalese craftsmanship imbues the idol with a unique artistic sensibility, reflecting the cultural heritage of the region.
––––––––––––––––––Cultural Significance and Divine Patronage
In Hindu mythology, Kubera is revered as the lord of wealth, the god of Yakshas, and the guardian of the north. He is often invoked for financial stability, success in business, and the removal of monetary obstacles. Tales abound of his generosity and his role in distributing riches among the gods and humans. He is a central figure in various religious texts and is worshipped alongside deities like Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. In Buddhist traditions, he is also revered as a protector and a deity who bestows wealth. This idol, hailing from Nepal, carries the spiritual resonance of the Himalayas, a region where such deities are deeply venered. The artistry reflects a devotion passed down through generations, making this a truly authentic and spiritually charged piece. Placing this idol in your dwelling is believed to attract positive financial energies, foster a sense of security, and remind one of the divine abundance that surrounds us.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.
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