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Guardians of Cosmic Dance
Behold a magnificent pair of copper sculptures, each depicting a dynamic Naag Nagin, a divine serpentine being from Hindu mythology. These striking figures, crafted with meticulous attention to detail, capture the essence of primal energy and spiritual grace. The Naag Nagin, often associated with water, fertility, and hidden knowledge, are powerful entities that play significant roles in ancient narratives. They are believed to be guardians of treasures, both earthly and celestial, and are often depicted as protectors of the cosmos.
The artisans have masterfully rendered these mythical beings in a dance-like pose, their bodies coiling dynamically. The serpents' tails are intricately scaled, creating a sense of fluid movement and strength. Above their human torsos, a regal cobra hood fans out, its multiple heads uplifted in a posture of awe and power. Each head is adorned with tiny, detailed caps, evoking the imagery of protective canopies. The figures wear ornate crowns and beaded necklaces, further emphasizing their divine status. The posture, with hands raised in a gesture of blessing or offering, invites contemplation and reverence.
Symbolism and Cultural Resonance
In the rich tapestry of Indian mythology, the serpent (Naag) holds a place of profound significance. They are revered as symbols of eternity, resurrection, and divine power. The most famous of these is Shesha, the king of all Naagas, upon whom Lord Vishnu rests in the cosmic ocean. The female counterpart, the Nagini, is equally respected, often associated with wealth, beauty, and the nurturing aspects of nature. The union of the Naag and Nagini symbolizes the harmonious balance of masculine and feminine energies, a crucial element in the creation and sustenance of the universe. These figures are also often associated with the Naga Purnima festival, a celebration dedicated to worshipping snakes, seeking their blessings for prosperity and protection. The presence of such iconography is believed to ward off evil and attract good fortune, making these sculptures potent talismans.
A Masterpiece of Craftsmanship
These wall hangings are more than just decorative pieces; they are embodiments of ancient artistry and spiritual symbolism. The use of copper, a sacred metal known for its conductive properties and lustrous sheen, adds to the intrinsic value and aesthetic appeal of the sculptures. The patina achieved through skilled craftsmanship enhances the depth and texture of the figures, making them appear as if they have emerged from ancient temples or sacred groves. The intricate detailing on the faces, the flowing garments, and the sinuous coils of the serpent bodies speak volumes about the dedication and expertise of the sculptors. Displaying this pair in your home or sacred space is an invitation to connect with the profound symbolism of the Naag Nagin, bringing a touch of divine energy and artistic brilliance to your surroundings. The vibrant yet grounded presence of these figures will undoubtedly become a captivating focal point, sparking conversation and inspiring awe.
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.