Kubera, known as the
Lord of Wealth, holds a prominent position in Hindu mythology as the ruler of
the semi-divine Yakshas and the guardian of the Northern direction (Dik-pala).
He is also revered as a protector of the world (Lokapala). Depicted as a dwarf
with a rotund belly.
He is shown riding a
Tibetan snow mountain lion. Occasionally, he may also hold a sheaf of jewels or
a mongoose, symbolizing his victory over the Nāgas, who are the guardians of
treasures. There is a halo of flames around him showing his fiery nature.
The Opulent Majesty of Lord Kubera
Immerse your sacred space in the divine aura of wealth and prosperity with this exquisite statue of Lord Kubera. Crafted with meticulous detail in Nepal, this commanding figure embodies the benevolent deity of riches and the guardian of treasures. Kubera, often referred to as the "King of the Yakshas," holds a prominent place in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions, recognized as the lord of all material wealth. His presence is believed to invoke abundance, good fortune, and the removal of financial obstacles.A Symphony of Craftsmanship and Symbolism
This magnificent idol is forged from high-quality copper, a material revered for its conductivity and longevity, lending a sense of enduring value to the artwork. The intricate copper form is then lavishly gold-plated, imbuing the sculpture with a celestial radiance that reflects the divine nature of Kubera. The deity is depicted in a majestic posture, seated upon a magnificent snow lion, a creature symbolizing power, strength, and unwavering resolve. The lion itself is rendered with striking detail, its mouth open in a powerful roar, its mane flowing with dynamic energy.
The fiery halo that encircles Kubera is a testament to his immense power and spiritual luminescence. This aureole, adorned with swirling clouds and fiery motifs, speaks to the transcendental energy that emanates from the divine. Kubera's iconography is rich with symbolism. His bulging eyes represent his all-seeing nature, his benevolent yet firm expression conveying his role as both a giver and a protector of wealth. He is often depicted adorned with jewels and carrying a money bag or mongoose, all signifying his dominion over material riches. In this representation, his divine attributes are brought to life through the skillful hand of the artisan, capturing the essence of his generous spirit and his role as the celestial treasurer.Echoes of Myth and Devotion
In ancient Indian mythology, Kubera is celebrated as the son of Vishrava and Ila, and the ruler of the mythical kingdom of Alaka in the Himalayas. Tales abound of his immense wealth, amassed through rigorous penance and bestowed upon him by Lord Brahma. He is also associated with the direction North, often revered as the guardian of that quadrant. Buddhist traditions similarly honor Kubera as a protector deity, often depicted as a guardian of the Earth and a dispenser of wealth, bringing prosperity to those who engage in virtuous deeds. This statue serves not merely as an object of art, but as a conduit for invoking these ancient blessings and fostering an environment of prosperity and well-being in your home or place of worship. The presence of this statue is believed to attract positive energies and encourage financial growth, making it a cherished addition for devotees and art enthusiasts alike.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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