This exquisite
sculpture captures the essence of Jambhala, the Tibetan deity of wealth and
prosperity, in all his magnificence and power. Handcrafted with unwavering
attention to detail by a gifted artist from the heart of Kathmandu, this
sculpture is a testament to both ancient artistry and spiritual significance.
The Jambhala deity, portrayed with an intense countenance,
reclines gracefully, his right leg drawn inwards while his left leg extends in
a harmonious composition. Notice the meticulous brushstrokes that bring forth the
blue hues of his commanding brows and mustaches, contrasting beautifully with
the opulent adornments that grace his divine form.
Embark on a Journey of Prosperity with the Lord of Wealth
This magnificent statue depicts Jambhala, the Buddhist deity of wealth and fortune, seated in a posture of serene abundance. Crafted from rich copper and adorned with a luminous gold finish, this 11-inch sculpture emanates an aura of prosperity and divine blessing. Jambhala is revered across Tibetan Buddhism, Mahayana, and Vajrayana traditions as a protector and bestower of material and spiritual riches. His presence is believed to ward off poverty, greed, and suffering, ushering in an era of abundance and contentment for his devotees.
The iconography of Jambhala is rich with symbolism. He is often depicted seated on a lotus throne, signifying purity and spiritual elevation, which is beautifully captured in this piece. His plump belly is a testament to his benevolent nature and his ability to absorb and transmute negative energies, transforming them into positive outcomes and material blessings. In one hand, he typically holds a mongoose, which is said to disgorge jewels and precious metals, symbolizing the boundless wealth he can confer. The other hand often holds a wish-fulfilling jewel or a conch shell, further reinforcing his role as a giver of good fortune.
––––––––––
A Testament to Nepalese Craftsmanship
This exquisite statue is a masterpiece of traditional Nepalese artistry. The intricate details, from the serene yet commanding expression on Jambhala's face, with its striking blue accents, to the meticulously sculpted jewelry and flowing robes, showcase the unparalleled skill of the artisans. The use of copper as the base material provides a robust and enduring foundation, while the application of gold lends a divine sheen, amplifying the deity's auspicious presence. Nepalese artisans have a long-standing tradition of creating sacred objects, imbuing each piece with spiritual significance and aesthetic beauty, passed down through generations. This statue is not merely an object of devotion but a work of art that embodies the spiritual heritage and artistic excellence of Nepal.
––––––––––
The Blessings of Jambhala in Your Abode
Inviting the presence of Jambhala into your home or sacred space is an act of inviting prosperity and well-being. Place this statue in a prominent location, such as your altar, meditation room, or office, where its benevolent gaze can radiate its blessings. As you engage with this representation of the deity, contemplate the principles of generosity, contentment, and the wise management of resources. Jambhala teaches that true wealth is not just about accumulation but also about inner peace and the ability to share abundance with others. This statue serves as a constant reminder of these virtues and a focal point for prayer and meditation, helping you to cultivate a life filled with material comfort and spiritual fulfillment.
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.
