Tibetan Buddhist Deity Kubera - Copper Statue from Nepal

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Tibetan Buddhist Deity Kubera - Copper Statue from Nepal

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$1925

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In Tibetan Buddhism, Kubera, also known as Jambhala, is a powerful deity of Buddhist cosmology who is worshipped in his glorious form as a celestial protector and provider of perpetual wealth. Kubera is depicted in his classical iconography in this magnificent copper statue from Nepal. His leg dangles down in Maharajalilasana, a stance appropriate for a king, and he is seated on an elaborate throne with a small lotus growing from it. Exquisite embellishments give the icon more opulence, which is animated by Kubera's animated face. Kubera's steady stare calms the heart and serves to remind the devotee of the king of Yakshas' steadfast goodness.

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Specifications

	ZDF01
	Copper Statue Gilded with 24 Karat Gold
	Height: 12.5 inch
	Width: 9 inch
	Depth: 5.5 inch
	Weight 3.16 kg

Delivery and Return Policies


	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.

A Vision in Gold

Behold the meticulously crafted deity, a testament to the artistry passed down through generations of Nepalese artisans. Each curve, each line, reflects a deep understanding of sacred iconography, brought to life in radiant copper. The application of 24-karat gold bestows a divine aura upon the statue, illuminating every detail with a warm, captivating glow. The gold not only enriches the aesthetic, but it also adds to the spiritual resonance of the piece, reflecting the prosperity and abundance associated with the deity it depicts. The subtle detailing, from the intricate patterns adorning the robes to the carefully rendered facial features, showcases the dedication and skill poured into this masterpiece. Notice the careful use of color in the crown and around the neck which add to the overall beauty of this work.

Kubera: Lord of Wealth and Guardian of the North

In both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, Kubera reigns as the Lord of Wealth, a celestial banker entrusted with the treasures of the earth. His association with prosperity extends beyond mere material gain; he represents abundance in all its forms – wisdom, good fortune, and spiritual wealth. Often depicted with a portly figure, he is a symbol of the overflowing bounty that he bestows upon his devotees. Kubera is also one of the Lokapalas, the Guardians of the Directions, specifically the protector of the North. This role signifies his responsibility in maintaining cosmic balance and safeguarding against negativity. Legends recount his origins as a yaksha, a nature spirit, who through immense devotion and austerities, earned his position among the gods. Tales also tell of his association with Lanka, which was once his city of gold, before it was seized by Ravana. Whether interpreted through the lens of Hindu mythology or Buddhist philosophy, Kubera serves as a potent symbol of fortune, stability, and the righteous accumulation of wealth.

Crafted in the Heart of Nepal

This piece is a product of the rich artistic heritage of Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual traditions and renowned for its skilled craftsmanship. Nepalese artisans have honed their metalworking techniques for centuries, passing down knowledge and expertise from one generation to the next. The process begins with a core of copper, carefully molded and sculpted to capture the deity's likeness. The surface is then meticulously gilded with layers of 24-karat gold. These artisans don't just create objects; they imbue their creations with reverence and intention, transforming raw materials into objects of spiritual significance. Owning this statue is not only acquiring a beautiful work of art, but also connecting to a legacy of craftsmanship.

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.