Kuber or
Kubera in Newari culture is a revered king of Yakshas, the
protector of wealth and bestower of auspiciousness on his devotees. As the
knower of hidden treasures, Kuber is popular amongst the Hindu Newari people,
who worship him to gain riches and abundance in life. This antiquated copper
sculpture of Kuber from Nepal, depicts the king of Yakshas on a chariot throne,
sitting in the regal Lalitasana or royal pose.
Two
elephants, symbols of royalty in Hindu tradition stand at the lower section of
the composition, raising their trunks in the gesture of hailing the deity. The
aureole around Kuber is also marked by the presence of two attendants, with the
heads of an animal and the body of a human. Carrying his mongoose in his left
hand and a jewel in the right, Kuber strikes a splendid pose, expressing his
stature and powers.
The Opulent Presence of Lord Kuber
This magnificent copper idol depicts Lord Kuber, the Hindu deity of wealth, prosperity, and fortune. Seated in regal splendor on an ornate throne, the sculpture radiates an aura of abundance and celestial grace. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail in Nepal, a land steeped in ancient traditions and artistic mastery, this artwork serves as a powerful focal point for any space, inviting blessings of material and spiritual wealth into your life.
Lord Kuber is a revered figure in Hindu mythology, often referred to as the king of the Yakshas and the treasurer of the gods. His dominion extends over all earthly riches, including gold, silver, gems, and treasures hidden beneath the earth. Tales abound of his generosity and his role in dispensing wealth to his devotees. He is said to reside in the mythical city of Alaka, adorned with palaces of gold and jewels, attended by celestial beings. The presence of elephants, symbolizing abundance and power, flanking the base of this sculpture, further underscores Kuber’s divine attributes. The intricate carvings of animal-headed attendants on either side of the throne are reminiscent of the protective and sometimes mischievous nature of Yakshas, Kuber's celestial retinue.
––––––––––Symbolism and Divine Representation
The posture of Lord Kuber in this idol is significant. He is depicted in a relaxed yet authoritative pose, with one leg crossed over the other, signifying a state of ease and contentment, befitting the deity of wealth. His rotund belly is a classic representation, symbolizing prosperity and the abundance he oversees. His hands are gently posed, perhaps holding or gesturing towards the bestowal of riches. The golden sheen of the copper highlights the divine radiance of Kuber, drawing the eye and imbuing the sculpture with a sense of preciousness. The elaborate throne, with its detailed architectural elements and decorative motifs, elevates Kuber to his rightful place as a cosmic custodian of wealth. The seven small, conical forms at the base are often interpreted as miniature *lingams* or symbolic representations of wealth offerings, further enhancing the devotional aspect of the sculpture.
––––––––––Artistic Heritage from Nepal
This exquisite piece is a testament to the rich artistic heritage of Nepal, where metal casting has been a revered craft for centuries. Nepalese artisans have a profound understanding of iconography and the spiritual significance of deities, which is evident in the masterful execution of this Kuber idol. The use of copper, a metal associated with purity and auspiciousness, enhances the spiritual resonance of the sculpture. The patina and subtle variations in the metal's finish speak to the traditional techniques employed in its creation, giving it a timeless quality that evokes reverence and admiration. Bringing this sculpture into your home or place of worship is not just acquiring an artifact, but inviting a divine presence that symbolizes prosperity, good fortune, and the auspicious beginnings that Kuber represents.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.
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