Kubera or Jambhala in Tibetan Buddhism is a divine guardian and bestower of eternal wealth, revered in his magnificent form as a powerful deity of the Buddhism cosmos. In this stunning copper statue from Nepal, Kubera appears in his classical iconography. He is seated on an ornate throne, with a miniature lotus sprouting from it to cradle his leg dangling in Maharajalilasana (a royal posture).
A magnificent fiery aureole, wreathed in gold and embellished with round, colorful elements add a grandeur to the icon, which is enlivened by the animated visage of Kubera, whose steady gazes stills the heart, reminding the devotee of the unwavering benevolence of the king of Yakshas.
The Benevolent Protector of Wealth
This magnificent statue embodies Kubera, the Hindu and Buddhist deity associated with wealth, fortune, and abundance. Crafted from gleaming copper and adorned with gold accents, this piece emanates a sense of divine prosperity and spiritual richness. The intricate detailing, characteristic of traditional Nepalese artistry, brings the deity to life, inviting contemplation and reverence. The serene yet powerful expression on Kubera's face, coupled with his regal posture, signifies his dominion over riches and his role as a benevolent guardian.
––––––––––A Deity of Generosity and Protection
In Hindu mythology, Kubera is the king of the Yakshas and the lord of the mythical city of Alaka. He is often depicted with a pot belly and a pomegranate, symbols of his immense wealth and the fertility of the earth. Legends speak of his generosity towards devotees, bestowing upon them prosperity and good fortune. In Buddhism, Kubera, also known as Vaisravana, is one of the Four Heavenly Kings, guardians of the four cardinal directions, and a protector of Dharma. He is venerated for his ability to overcome obstacles and dispel poverty. This statue captures the essence of both traditions, representing a powerful figure who not only commands material wealth but also offers spiritual protection.
––––––––––Exquisite Craftsmanship from the Himalayas
Hailing from the skilled artisans of Nepal, renowned for their mastery in metal casting and religious iconography, this Kubera idol is a testament to centuries-old traditions. The use of copper, a sacred metal in many cultures, lends a unique warmth and enduring quality to the statue. The application of gold further enhances its divine aura, symbolizing purity and ultimate value. The elaborate ornamentation, including the multi-jeweled aureole and the finely worked robes, showcases the meticulous attention to detail that makes each piece a work of art. The lotus throne upon which Kubera sits is a universal symbol of purity and enlightenment, grounding the deity in spiritual significance. This statue is not merely an object of beauty but a potent symbol for any space, intended to invite prosperity, harmony, and divine blessings. Its commanding presence makes it a centerpiece for altars, meditation spaces, or as a distinguished addition to any collection of sacred art.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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