Kubera, known as the
god of wealth and the guardian of the North, carries the names Vaishravana and
Jambhala. He possesses a radiant golden-yellow complexion and wears a
semi-wrathful expression. Seated in a relaxed posture called lalitasana, Kubera
rests upon a moon disc placed atop a lotus pedestal. His right foot dangles
gracefully, supported by a lotus base.
In his right hand,
Kubera holds a jambhara, while a substantial mongoose rests in his left hand.
This mongoose is believed to hold all the precious gems and jewels, and when
Kubera gently squeezes it, the mongoose releases its treasure. Around his neck,
he adorns long necklaces that cascade down to his abdomen.
Embodiment of Wealth and Auspiciousness
This magnificent sculpture depicts Lord Kubera, the divine king of wealth and the regent of the North, a benevolent deity revered in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Crafted from copper and finished with exquisite gold plating, this piece radiates an aura of opulence and divine grace, making it a truly captivating addition to any sacred space or discerning collection. The sheer artistry involved in its creation is evident in every detail, from the intricate ornamentation adorning his regal attire to the serene yet powerful expression on his face.The Divine Treasurer
In ancient Indian mythology, Kubera is often depicted as a yaksha king, a guardian of hidden treasures, and the provider of prosperity. Legends speak of his immense wealth, guarded in the mythical city of Alaka, a place of unparalleled splendor. He is also known as the treasurer of the gods, ensuring that the celestial realm and its inhabitants are sustained. His presence is believed to attract abundance, good fortune, and material well-being. In Buddhism, Kubera is revered as a protector of dharma and a benefactor, often invoked for wealth and success in spiritual pursuits. This sculpture captures his essence, embodying the promise of prosperity and the divine blessing of abundance.Artistry and Symbolism
The statue showcases the rich artistic heritage of Nepal, renowned for its master craftsmen who have honed their skills over centuries. The copper base, meticulously shaped and then adorned with a lustrous layer of gold plating, speaks of a devotion to both material beauty and spiritual significance. Lord Kubera is seated in a posture of regal ease, his body adorned with elaborate necklaces, armlets, and a crown, all rendered with remarkable precision. His facial features are striking, with a stern yet benevolent gaze, a finely sculpted mustache, and eyes that seem to hold ancient wisdom. The intricate patterns on his garments and the lotus-shaped pedestal upon which he rests further enhance the devotional and artistic value of this piece. This sculpture is not merely an object of beauty but a powerful symbol of wealth, protection, and divine favor, destined to bring auspicious energy into your life.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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