Kubera, a prominent
figure in Buddhist mythology, is revered as the god of wealth and prosperity.
He presides over Alakapuri, a city inhabited by semi-divine beings known as Yakshas. Kubera is
often depicted as a short and plump deity. Despite his unconventional
appearance, he is a symbol of wealth and abundance.
He plays a crucial
role as the guardian of precious gems. Kubera is seated
upon a lotus throne, displaying a resplendent golden-yellow complexion. In his
two hands, he holds a lemon in his right and a mongoose that releases precious
jewels in his left, firmly establishing his identity as the deity associated
with wealth and abundance. Adorning his head is a five-pronged crown, which
carries symbolic significance denoting the Five Transcendental Buddhas.
The Guardian of Wealth and Prosperity
This magnificent statue embodies Lord Kubera, the celestial king of Yakshas and the divine treasurer of the gods. Revered in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions, Kubera is the bestower of fortune and the protector of material wealth. His presence is believed to bring prosperity, abundance, and financial well-being to his devotees. This exquisite copper sculpture, meticulously crafted in Nepal, captures the powerful and benevolent essence of this revered deity.A Masterpiece of Nepalese Artistry
Hand-forged from high-quality copper and adorned with intricate gold plating, this statue is a testament to the rich artistic heritage of Nepal. The skilled artisans have poured their devotion and expertise into every detail, from the serene yet commanding expression on Kubera's face to the ornate embellishments adorning his regal attire. The rich patina of the copper, combined with the radiant gleam of the gold plating, creates a visually stunning piece that exudes an aura of divine grace and opulence. The throne upon which Kubera is seated is equally elaborate, featuring traditional motifs and flowing lines that add to the statue's overall grandeur. This piece is not merely a decorative item; it is a sacred artifact imbued with spiritual significance.Mythological Significance and Symbolism
In Hindu mythology, Kubera is often depicted as a wealthy monarch, seated on his magnificent aerial chariot, Pushpaka. He is the son of Vishrava and Ilavida and the step-brother of Ravana. Despite his divine status, Kubera is also known for his strict adherence to duty and his role as a guardian of hidden treasures. In Buddhism, he is known as Vaisravana and is one of the Four Heavenly Kings, protecting the northern direction and often invoked for wealth and protection. His association with jewels, gold, and all forms of material riches makes him a central figure for those seeking financial security and prosperity. This statue, with its imposing stature and wealth-laden iconography, serves as a powerful reminder of his benevolent influence.Invoking Abundance and Good Fortune
Placing this Lord Kubera statue in your home or place of business is believed to invite auspiciousness and a flow of positive energy. It serves as a focal point for meditation, prayer, and the invocation of wealth and abundance. The serene yet powerful visage of Kubera encourages a sense of peace and financial security, while the exquisite craftsmanship inspires awe and reverence. Whether you are a devout follower or simply appreciate the beauty and symbolism of sacred art, this statue is a remarkable addition to any spiritual or decorative collection, promising to be a cherished heirloom for generations to come.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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