Generally this metal piece appears to be an ordinary statue representing the monkey god Hanuman as paying homage to his Master Rama. As in most of the Rama-durbar renditions Hanuman’s figures are represented as standing close-by, or as seated on floor around his feet, in both cases, with folded hands, it has become a common perception that his images with folded hands represent him as paying homage to Rama. Undoubtedly, with his hands folded, eyes closed, head bowed and face immersed in deep meditation, this statue also represents Hanuman as commemorating Ram; however, as emphasizes the posturing of his legs : the right, turned backwards, and the left, raised upwards, and the determination on his face, the image illustrates a particular occasion when he is commemorating his Master for giving him strength for accomplishing an end, not a homage-paying Hanuman in general. Taking a position as takes a runner participating in a racing competition Hanuman appears to be invoking his Lord to become his strength before he leaped to reach his goal.
In every likeliness, the statue represents a Hanuman readying to leap across the sea to Lanka for collecting Sita’s whereabouts and as invoking his Master for helping him accomplish the ordeal. After they knew from Sampati, elder brother of the great bird Jatayu, that Sita, abducted by Ravana, was in his captivity at Ashoka-vatika in Lanka, they wondered as to who could go across the sea to Lanka and collect information in regard to her. Each of them assessed his competence only to conclude that none could do it. Suddenly, it struck to Jambavan’s mind, the minister of Sugriva, that Hanuman was possessed of the power to cross a four ‘yojana’ distance in a single leap : much more than Lanka’s distance, though under a curse he did not remember it and needed to be reminded for reviving it. When Jambavan reminded, Hanuman’s body burst with gold’s lustre and great youth and he declared to leap across, bring back mother Sita’s whereabouts and, if obstructed, destroy anything or any person however powerful. Before he proceeded, he sat down at the sea-shore meditating on his Master invoking his help in accomplishing the job.
Obviously, the statue represents this moment of Hanuman’s life. An ordinary brass-statue it has gold’s lustre as his figure burst with when he had his divine power restored. He also has very little on his body as one would have when flying or swimming. Even his mace, resting on his right thigh, is tinier. Despite that the image represents a particular moment the artist has blended with its divinity also an element of auspiciousness by casting with it a lamp, the source of light making the divine image also an instrument of use. The image has been conceived over a triply designed partially oval pedestal, the base being a beaded moulding, middle, a larger part, consisting of lotuses, and the uppermost, another moulding with beaded upper rim.
This description by Prof. P.C. Jain and Dr. Daljeet. Prof. Jain specializes on the aesthetics of literature and is the author of numerous books on Indian art and culture. Dr. Daljeet is the curator of the Miniature Painting Gallery, National Museum, New Delhi. They have both collaborated together on a number of books.
How to keep a Brass statue well-maintained?
Brass statues are known and appreciated for their exquisite beauty and luster. The brilliant bright gold appearance of Brass makes it appropriate for casting aesthetic statues and sculptures. Brass is a metal alloy composed mainly of copper and zinc. This chemical composition makes brass a highly durable and corrosion-resistant material. Due to these properties, Brass statues and sculptures can be kept both indoors as well as outdoors. They also last for many decades without losing all their natural shine.
Brass statues can withstand even harsh weather conditions very well due to their corrosion-resistance properties. However, maintaining the luster and natural beauty of brass statues is essential if you want to prolong their life and appearance.
In case you have a colored brass statue, you may apply mustard oil using a soft brush or clean cloth on the brass portion while for the colored portion of the statue, you may use coconut oil with a cotton cloth.
Brass idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses are especially known for their intricate and detailed work of art. Nepalese sculptures are famous for small brass idols portraying Buddhist deities. These sculptures are beautified with gold gilding and inlay of precious or semi-precious stones. Religious brass statues can be kept at home altars. You can keep a decorative brass statue in your garden or roof to embellish the area and fill it with divinity.
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