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Buddhism in Nepal began spreading at the time of King Ashoka through Indian and Tibetan missionaries. The Kiratas were the first in Nepal who embraced Gautama Buddha's lessons, followed by the Licchavis and Newars.
Buddhist impacts are an intrinsic part of the way of life of Nepal to a degree
that Buddhist and Hindu temples are shared spots of worship for devotees of the
two beliefs, and there's no distinction between Hindus and Buddhists in Nepal.
During the rule of
King Amshuverma, the Nepalese princess Bhrikuti assumed a huge role in
spreading the essence of Buddhism in Tibet. Tibetan Buddhist design has been
impacted by Nepalese artists and stone sculptors like Araniko for quite some
time. The hallowed Buddhist texts in Mahayana Buddhism are essentially written in the Ranjana
alphabet, the Newars' or Lantsa scripts, which are derived from Ranjana.
Nepalese statues display the religious and spiritual
universe of the Nepal valley. Our collection of Nepalese art includes-
Compassionate beings who delay enlightenment to aid
others, Bodhisattvas are sculpted elegantly, crowned, jeweled, and in
benevolent moods in Nepalese art. Avalokiteshwara (Chenrezig), Maitreya, and
Vajrapani are some of the popular ones among the many Bodhisattvas worshipped.
Statues of the Buddha in serene meditation,
enlightenment, or teaching postures embody peace, detachment, and awakened
wisdom in sacred form. Trikaya (three bodies of Buddha), and various episodes
from Buddha’s life form a key part of Nepalese art.
Fierce and benevolent divine feminine- Tara,
Prajnaparamita, Durga, each sculpture of the goddesses carries beauty,
strength, and cosmic energy.
Spiritual teachers like Milarepa, Atisha, and Marpa
are honored in detailed forms, conveying lineage, wisdom, and the journey
toward realization.
The Lotus-Born Guru, Padmasambhava, brought Tantric
Buddhism to Tibet, making him one of the most often depicted gurus (masters) in
Nepalese and Tibetan art.
Inscribed with mantras, these rotating wheels embody
the Dharma in motion, spreading blessings and merit with every clockwise turn.
Symbol of Nepalese valor, the Khukuri is a
traditional curved knife, sacred in rituals and celebrated in warrior heritage
and sculpture.
God of wealth and guardian of treasures, Kubera is
sculpted seated, rotund and jeweled, representing prosperity, abundance, and
divine guardianship.
Each piece in this category reflects unparalleled
craftsmanship, showcasing detailing, use of pure material, and skills of the
artists that have no comparison. A perfect collection for collectors and
devotees looking for substance and spiritual purity.
Sacred hand gestures, or mudras, signify divine
intentions- compassion, fearlessness, teaching, and blessing, each sculpted
with symbolic precision and graceful articulation.
A rare silver sculpture category, reflecting the
traditional royal art of the Newar region, used for making idols of Buddha,
Bodhisattva, gods and goddesses, and ritual objects.
Time-honored sculptures carrying an antique charm,
rich patina, and historical aura, each piece tells a story of Nepal’s sacred
artistic legacy.
Hindu deities like Shiva, Vishnu, and Ganesha are
rendered with iconographic precision, expressing Vedic ideals in Nepalese
artistry.
Sculptural items used in Buddhist and Hindu worship-
vajras, bells, and offering bowls- are crafted for sacred use, ceremonial
beauty, and symbolic meaning, with such care and devotion that they become
collectibles themselves.
The traditional method used in Nepal is the lost-wax
casting technique (cire-perdue), a process as old as human civilisation, passed
down for centuries among the Newar artisans of the Kathmandu Valley.
● First,
the artist creates a wax model of the deity, then covers it with layers of fine
clay.
● Once
the mold is fired and the wax melts away, molten metal, usually a copper alloy,
is poured into the cavity.
● After
cooling, the statue is polished, decorated with fine details, gilded with gold,
and inlaid with semi-precious stones like turquoise, coral, and lapis lazuli.
One of the most sacred and costly techniques used in
crafting these masterpieces is gilding- the process of covering the sculpture
with a layer of pure gold.
Gilding is the final, transformative step in the
creation of many Nepalese bronze and copper statues.
Gold is hammered into thin sheets, making gold leaf,
which is applied to the surface of the statue.
Traditional adhesive pastes made from resins, lac, or
mercury mix is used to stick the gold leaf to the metal surface.
There are two primary gilding methods used:
● Fire
Gilding (Mercury Gilding): A mixture of gold and mercury
is applied to the metal surface. When heated, the mercury evaporates (a
hazardous and skill-intensive process), leaving behind a glowing, permanent
layer of gold.
● Gold
Leaf Application: Thin gold sheets are gently
pressed onto an adhesive-coated surface, then burnished with agate or jade
tools to give a soft, divine glow.
This process can take weeks, sometimes months,
depending on the statue’s size and complexity.
● Use
of Pure Gold: The statues are gilded with real gold, often
requiring grams to several ounces of the precious metal.
● Skilled
Artisanship: Only master craftsmen, trained through generations,
possess the knowledge to apply gold without damaging the sculpture or dulling
its shine.
● Sacred
Symbolism: Gilding is not just for beauty; it is an offering.
In Buddhist and Hindu traditions. Patrons and devotees believe the amount of
gold on a statue is equivalent to the merit (punya) they receive.
● Time-Intensive
Labor: Each detail- from facial features to ornament- is
individually covered and polished by hand, reflecting days of devotional work.
Here is a list of traditionally used
materials in Nepalese sculptures-
● Copper –
The primary material, valued for its spiritual value and strength.
● Gold
Gilding – Applied using mercury amalgamation or gold leaf,
it symbolizes purity and divinity.
● Silver –
Occasionally used for highlighting ornaments or specific iconographic features.
● Gemstones –
Turquoise, coral, lapis lazuli, and rubies are inlaid to enhance visual and
symbolic richness and as an offering to the deity or Buddha/Bodhisattva.
● Crystal –
Transparent crystal is often used in tantric ritual objects or representations
of Tantric gods and goddesses.
To preserve the sacred aura and aesthetic brilliance
of your Nepalese statue:
● Dust
Regularly: Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth or a clean
artist’s brush.
● Avoid
Harsh Chemicals: Never use metal polish or
abrasive cleaners on gilded or inlaid statues.
● For
Antique or Gemstone Statues: Consult a conservator or
simply dust regularly to avoid damage.
If you are planning to buy a Nepalese statue or want
ideas on how to display one in your space, here are some tips that will help
you-
● Sacred
Space: Place in a clean, elevated area like a home altar,
meditation room, or a peaceful corner.
● Facing
Direction: Traditionally, Buddha statues face east,
symbolizing the rising sun and enlightenment.
● Avoid
the Floor: Statues should not be placed directly on the
ground.
● Light
and Incense: Enhance with soft lighting, candles, or incense to
create an atmosphere ideal for meditation and peaceful introspection.
● Minimal
Surroundings: Keep the space clutter-free to welcome positivity
and respect the divinity of the statue.
Devotees of
Buddhism don't adhere to a preeminent divinity or Supreme God. They would
rather concentrate on accomplishing enlightenment— a condition of internal
harmony and insight.
Bodhisattvas are
edified heavenly beings who have put off entering heaven to help other people
achieve enlightenment.
Kailashnath
Mahadev Statue, 144 feet tall murti of Shiva Mahadeva as the Lord of Kailasha
(Kailashanath), is the biggest sculpture in Nepal, located in the
Kaverpalanchok district of the valley. It is an astounding example of the might
of Nepalese iconography, made from an amalgamation of materials such as zinc,
concrete, copper, and steel.
Kailashnath
Mahadeva Statue is the world’s tallest Shiva statue, depicting the Lord in his divine roopa,
wrapped in Baghamabara (tiger hide cloth), the crescent moon in his Jata
(matted hair), a serpent in his neck, holding his Trishula (trident) and his
hand raised in the gesture of fearlessness (Abhaya Mudra).
Nepalese Hindu
and Buddhist
sculptures are some of the finest
specimens of the art of the East. Art exhibitions, museums, and workshops are
vital in promoting Nepalese art. Effectively showcasing this glorious art form
in this global market requires reaching the maximum number of people and introducing
them to Nepalese sculpture’s aesthetic value, using modern media.
E-commerce websites, such as Exotic India Art, play a
crucial role in bringing the gems of Nepalese art to the homes of art
enthusiasts and buyers, successfully promoting Nepalese sculptures.
The statues of
Nepal are famous for their unique artistry and are considered exquisitely
beautiful. Nepali statues or sculptures are especially known for their small
bronze Bodhisattva figures, which have distinctive features throughout the
world.
These figures have
elongated and languid eyes, wide facial features, exaggerated physical
postures, and sensuous, youthful bodies. The Bodhisattva figures have serene
expressions on their round face and are mostly clad only in either a triangular
dhoti or a Sangheti.
The long arms make
elegant symbolic gestures (mudras). Most statues are gilded with heavy gold,
which makes them retain their brilliant luster for years. They are also inlaid
with semi-precious stones over the crown or with minimal jewelry.
The traditional Nepali sculptures are renowned for
exhibiting a high level of skill and exquisite beauty. The art and culture of
Nepal have always been influenced by the religious belief of the people. The
majority of sculptures drew their influence from the artistic style of Indian
culture, especially of the Gupta and Pala Empires.
Nepal is a country that patronizes the traditional
beliefs of both Buddhism and Hinduism. Thus, the ancient Nepali artisans and
sculptors were masters at portraying the spiritual cultures of both these
religions.
They created sculptures of deities, including
Saraswati, Shiva, Ganesha, Vishnu, Krishna, Gautama Buddha, Avalokiteshvara,
etc., and passed down their unmatched artistic skills to the next generations,
and in this way, Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and temples became their primary
customers.
The Nepalese
sculptures have a specialty in small religious bronze figures with distinctive
features. This art dates back to ancient times and has a great history and
culture. Nepalese sculptural tradition has been highly influenced by social
conditions, religion, and political views.
Environmental
factors and events such as natural disasters, have also influenced the export
of sculptures to other countries. Due to the unusual climatic conditions in
Nepal, the chances of surviving wooden and metal sculptures are also
insignificant.
The traditional
Nepalese sculptures are especially known for their religious figures, such as
the Bodhisattva of Buddhism and the Gods of Hinduism. These are made from
high-quality bronze. These figures have languid eyes, wide facial features,
exaggerated physical postures, and sensuous, youthful bodies.
The Bodhisattva figures have serene expressions on their round face and are mostly clad only in Sangheti. The long arms make elegant symbolic gestures (mudras). Most statues are gilded with heavy gold that retains its brilliant shine for many years.
They are also inlaid with semi-precious stones over the crown. Preserve the rare tradition of Nepalese statues and art. Explore our collection of artworks selected from the workshops of Kathmandu, and bring home a part of the legacy.
