📝Summary
Nepalese Buddhist statues are sacred works of art handcrafted by Newari artisans using time-honored techniques like lost-wax casting and gilding. These statues embody deep spiritual symbolism and are often consecrated for worship, making them ideal for devotees, collectors, and spiritual spaces. Known for their serene expressions, intricate detailing, and use of pure metals and gemstones, Nepalese statues reflect the rich Buddhist heritage of the Himalayas.
Carved with devotion in the heart of the Himalayas, Buddhist statues from Nepal combine ritual significance with artistic beauty, being a kind of art form that presents the soul of Nepalese culture. Each statue is a living reflection of Nepal’s rich Buddhist heritage and the deep reverence of its artisans.
For an art collector, devotee, and spiritual seeker, the Himalayan art of Nepal is a transcendental world to experience, a select part of which is displayed in our collection of Nepalese Buddhist statues.
The statues from Nepal have their roots in the thousands of years old history of Nepal. The royal dynasties, such as the Licchavis and Mallas, were the first to patronise the rich art, in metal, stone, and wood. Indian, Tibetan, and Central Asian styles blend to create the iconographical features of Nepalese Buddhist art, a representative of the global history of Buddhism, especially its connection with Southeast Asian countries.
The creation of Buddhist statue s in Nepal is a sacred tradition that the local artist community takes pride in. Mainly done by the Newari people of Kathmandu valley, the art of Nepal involves several specialized artisans, each playing an important role in creating art that invites divinity in the homes of the devotee and timeless aesthetics in spaces of those who rever art.
Here are a few traditional artist communities engaged in making Nepalese art in various materials-
Shilpa means craft or craftsmanship is an ancient skill. The Nepalese Shilpakaras are individuals working with wood and stone. These work in temple construction, creating the sculpture of gods and goddesses for the inner sanctum, wooden panels, and objects used in temple rituals.
Tamra means copper. The metal artisans in Nepal are known are Tamrakaras, who work with copper, bronze, and brass. Their work involves creating statues of Buddhist and Hindu gods and goddesses in metal, which are used in shrines and homes of devotees. The traditional repousse work of Nepal (beating the metal to create a raised effect of the image) is also done by Tamrakars.
The Shakyas and Vajracharyas are interdependent communities. The Shakyas are artists who use lost-wax and other techniques to make metal images for worship. The Vajracharayas are the Tantric Buddhist priests who consecrate the idols after they are sculpted, to invite the divine element into the icon.
Chitrakara (chitra means image or painting), are artists who work on paintings, the paubha art, which can be explained as a Nepalese version of Tibetan Thangka art, but has regional elements and ideas rooted in Nepalese sculpture as well. They work on cloth canvases and use natural colors for creating ritual-specific art, or sacred art for spiritual decor on demand.
Kansa or bell metal is an ancient and ritually important metal in South Asian cultures. The Kansakars make ritual utensils and objects used in Buddhist and Hindu ceremonies and sometimes also make small icons used in special rituals. Lamps, boxes for storing ritual items, and decorative objects for temples are also made with bell metal.
The Manadharas are often responsible for final facial and ornament detailing, such as eyes and gilding. The act of “opening the eyes” is deeply spiritual, symbolizing the awakening of the deity within the statue.
Together, these communities uphold an ancient tradition where art meets devotion, and every statue becomes a channel for spiritual presence.
A number of materials, such as bronze, copper, wood, and stone, are traditionally used by Nepalese artists for creating ritual and artistic images. The techniques inherited by the artists are as timeless and ancient as the icons they create. Some of the most popularly employed techniques are-
A technique as old as civilisations, it uses molten metal which is poured into a clay mold to create idols. Molten metal (usually bronze or copper) is poured into the mold, replacing the wax. Once cooled, the clay mold is broken to reveal the raw statue, which is then refined, polished, and detailed.
Used especially for large statues and wall panels. Metal sheets are hammered from the reverse side to raise the image, and final touches are given by engravings or gilding to give the metal a polished finish.
Wood carving is popularly used in Nepalese temples and public architecture. The artists are skilled in creating bold and expressive images in wood, with natural polish.
Gold plating, and decorated with turquoise, coral, and lapis lazuli are what set Nepalese statues apart from other metal work.
Each piece of Nepalese art, especially the idols used for worship and rituals, is consecrated to awaken the deity and their presence in the material. Flower, lamp, incense and mantra or tsa-tsa are offered, and the deity is “sealed” within the idol, completing the final step.
The word gilding comes from the Old English gyldan, meaning “to cover with gold.” It is one of the most awe-inspiring techniques used by Nepalese artists for covering bronze or copper sculptures with a layer of gold. Gilding forms a part of the whole process of sculpting; however, it is an elaborate process itself, which combines the science of metallurgy with the art of making sculptures.
Given below are the key stages of gilding-
The statue is made using the lost-wax technique, is cleaned, roughness is removed with sandpaper, files, or acid baths, and a clean base is prepared for the later stage of finer work.
A layer of mercury amalgam or lacquer is sometimes added to the metal to ensure that the gold sticks better to the metal.
This method is common in high-quality, traditional Nepalese statues.
✔️Gold Amalgam Preparation: Pure gold is mixed with mercury to form an amalgam (a paste-like substance).
✔️Application: The amalgam is carefully brushed or applied onto the surface of the metal statue.
✔️Firing: The statue is heated in a kiln or over an open flame. The heat evaporates the mercury (a dangerous process), leaving behind a thin layer of pure gold fused to the metal.
✔️Burnishing: The surface is then polished with agate or similar stones to create a high sheen and smoothness.
Gold leaf gilding is a less dangerous but no less rigorous process that is used as an alternative to the mercury amalgam method.
✔️Adhesive Application: A special adhesive (such as size or lacquer) is applied to the clean metal surface. Traditional adhesive was made of lac; however, synthetic adhesives are also available today.
✔️Gold Leaf Application: Thin sheets of gold leaf are gently pressed onto the surface using soft brushes.
✔️Burnishing: After drying, the surface is polished lightly to enhance shine and ensure adhesion.
✔️Engraving: Fine designs, religious motifs and mantras (of Buddha, Buddhist and Hindu gods and goddesses) are engraved on the statues, often on the garments or the lotus seat on which they are seated.
✔️Gem Setting: Precious or semi-precious stones are set into the statue at eyes, crowns, or ornaments.
✔️Painting: The face, especially the eyes, may be hand-painted with mineral colors and gold dust (a sacred process called opening the eyes).
What sets Nepalese Buddhist statues apart is their attention to symbolic detail. From elongated earlobes to specific mudras (hand gestures), every feature has meaning:
✔️Facial expressions of the deities are benevolent as well as heavenly, suggesting that they are present in yet beyond the world.
✔️Elaborate crowns, jewelry, and robes signify the divine status of Bodhisattvas and gods and goddesses.
✔️Wrathful deities are richly adorned yet terrifying, often with vibrant colors to highlight elements like fire and blood, giving the sculptures an animated detail.
✔️Tantric imagery from Vajrayana Buddhism is prominent, often complex, and layered in meaning. Attributes of deities, multiple limbs, unique mounts such as lions or couples (in case of Tantric gods and goddesses), and ornaments enhance the spiritual effect of the image.
Our collection celebrates Shakyamuni Buddha in meditative, teaching, or blessing poses. Perfect for altars, meditation rooms, or as peaceful home accents, each figure radiates tranquility and wisdom.
Statues of enlightened beings like Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri, Tara, and others embody compassion and infinite wisdom. Exquisitely detailed with crowns, sashes, and gentle expressions, they are powerful symbols of spiritual guidance.
Featuring divine feminine forms like Green Tara, Vajrayogini, Prajnaparamita, and other female deities who stand for divine strength, compassion, and transcendental knowledge. Ideal for devotees of the sacred feminine and tantric practitioners.
Icons of revered teachers such as Guru Padmasambhava (Rinpoche) and other great lamas serve as reminders of lineage, wisdom, and initiation, powerful additions for Vajrayana followers.
The Medicine Buddha (Bhaisajyaguru) holds a bowl of herbs and offers healing energy. A thoughtful gift for those seeking physical and emotional well-being through the Buddhist holistic tradition.
Organized by specific hand gestures, including:
Abhaya (Protection)
Dhyana (Meditation)
Bhumisparsha (Enlightenment)
Varada (Compassion)
These allow you to choose based on intention, ritual use, or personal resonance.
Rare and rich in symbolism, our tantric statues depict Yab-Yum couples, Vajrayana deities, and wrathful guardians. Made with high ritual precision, these are suited for serious practitioners and collectors of esoteric Buddhist art.
Fierce protectors like Mahakala, Yamantaka, and Vajrapani are deities that guard and guide. Symbolic of the destruction of ego and the awakening of supreme wisdom, wrathful deity idols are ideal for the devotee who seeks the swift and potent arrival of enlightenment wisdom.
Designed for temple or home rituals, these pieces are ideal for everyday and special ritual practice, made with pure materials to aid your spiritual journey.
Beautifully hand-carved wooden Buddha and deity statues, many with rustic finishes or lacquered polish. Perfect for a warm, earthy ambiance and collectors who admire natural materials.
A curated selection of museum-quality sculptures- rare, large, and often made with 24k gold plating and gem inlays. These one-of-a-kind pieces are investments in art, history, and devotion.
Every statue is:
✔️Authentic Craftsmanship: Authentic & handpicked from artisans in Nepal.
✔️Ritually Appropriate: Made with pure material, ready for sacred consecration and worship.
✔️Spiritual & Aesthetic Value: Made with ethical practices and spiritual integrity.
✔️Quality You Can Trust: Backed by our assurance of quality, heritage, and care.
Nepalese statues are known for the fusion of local techniques with the artistic traditions of India, China, Japan, Tibet, and other countries. Centuries-old craftsmanship and symbolism combine in Nepalese art, which is popular worldwide for the serene expressions, gilding and intricate work and a representation of the eclectic nature of Nepal, where various religions inspired the artists to create unique artworks.
Nepalese art is made by Newari artists, Tamrakar, Shakya, Chitrakaras, Shilpakaras and other traditional artists who have learned the techniques from their ancestors.
Traditional Nepalese statues are made using copper, bronze, brass, wood, and stone, often adorned with gold leaf gilding, inlay of turquoise, coral, and lapis lazuli, and painted with natural mineral pigments.
Gilding is the process of covering a statue with a thin layer of gold. In Nepalese art, it symbolizes the brilliance of divinity. The traditional mercury gilding method, though rare and risky, involves fusing gold to metal through heat. A safer modern alternative is gold leaf gilding, using a special adhesive.
Yes, in rare traditional workshops in Nepal, it is still used, but the popularity has decreased due to the dangers off mercury poisoning. It involves heating a gold-mercury amalgam on the statue, allowing mercury to evaporate and leave a pure gold layer.
“Opening the eyes” refers to the sacred act of painting the eyes and facial details of a statue. It is done with great care, often by a Manandhar artist, signifying that the deity’s presence is now awakened in the form.
Lost-wax casting (cire-perdue) involves creating a wax model of the statue, placing it in clay, and then pouring molten metal into the mold. Once the wax melts and drains, the clay is broken to reveal the metal sculpture, later refined and gilded.
Yes. We ensure the statues are made with authentic materials- including real copper, bronze, semi-precious stones, and traditional gold plating, sourced directly from artisan families across Nepal.
Our statues are made with both spiritual integrity and artistic quality, making them ideal for worship, ritual use, or as decorative spiritual accents in your home, temple, or meditation space.
Keep the statue in a clean, dry place away from moisture. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe it. For gold-plated or inlaid statues, avoid abrasive materials. If you need to move the statue, carry it by its heaviest part to avoid breaking the finer parts.
Yes. Our “Masterpieces” collection features large, one-of-a-kind statues, many with 24k gold gilding and gemstone inlay, ideal for temples, spiritual centers, and serious collectors.
We work closely with traditional artisans in Nepal. For custom commissions, consecration, or ritual-specific designs, please contact our team. We will guide you through timelines, cost, and process.
At Exotic India, we honor the sacred lineage of Nepalese craftsmanship by offering statues that are authentic, ethically sourced, and spiritually attuned. Every piece in our collection reflects not only artistic excellence but also ritual integrity.
🌿 Let your chosen statue guide your daily practice, bless your surroundings, or serve as a timeless gift of peace.
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