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15" Copper Tibetan Buddhist Kubera Statue from Nepal

$1012.50
$1350
25% off
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The Lord of Yakshas, Dharampala Kubera (Kubera in Hinduism) is invoked as the god of wealth, associated with all the treasures like minerals and jewels that lie underground. This sculpture of Kubera has two arms with the left holding Nakula (Mongoose) and the right one holding a sheaf of jewels. Kubera is portrayed as a plump man having a large paunch and the realistic fierce expressions capture his face mask. The deity sits in a distinctive posture on a moon disc and is crafted with a beautiful dark copper & gold gilded finish that reflects the rich cultural tradition of Nepal. 

Specifications
CAA038
Copper With Gold
Height: 10 inch
Width: 11 inch
Depth: 5.5 inch
Weight 3 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 6 days
Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
Free Delivery
Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

The Lord of Wealth and Prosperity

This exquisite statue depicts Kubera, the benevolent king of the Yakshas and the celestial treasurer, revered in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions as the god of wealth. Originating from the artisan heartland of Nepal, this piece embodies centuries of spiritual artistry and meticulous craftsmanship. Crafted from high-quality copper and accented with lustrous gold detailing, the statue radiates an aura of divine opulence, making it a truly captivating centerpiece for any sacred space or collection. The depiction of Kubera in this statue is rich with symbolism. He is seated in a posture of regal ease, embodying his role as the benevolent dispenser of riches. His expression, while commanding, is also serene, reflecting his commitment to the just distribution of wealth. The intricate detailing of his robes, jewelry, and the ornate crown adorning his head all speak to his status as a divine monarch. The golden accents highlight key features, drawing the eye to the divine aura and the richness he represents.

Kubera in Mythology and Tradition

In Buddhist lore, Kubera is often seen as a protector of dharma and a guardian of hidden treasures, not just material wealth but also spiritual knowledge and wisdom. Tales abound of his immense generosity and his role in ensuring that resources are available to those who seek them with pure intentions. He is also known as Jambhala, particularly in Tantric Buddhism, where he is invoked for the removal of obstacles and the attainment of abundance. His presence is believed to ward off poverty and misfortune, inviting prosperity and good fortune into the lives of devotees. The very essence of this statue is to invoke these blessings, serving as a constant reminder of the abundance that is available through righteous living and spiritual practice. The artistic rendering of Kubera from Nepal carries a unique cultural significance. Nepalese artisans have a long-standing tradition of creating devotional objects with profound spiritual depth and breathtaking aesthetic beauty. Each stroke of the hammer, each delicate application of gold, is imbued with devotion and a deep understanding of the iconography. This statue is not merely an object of art; it is a vessel of spiritual energy, a tangible link to the ancient traditions that have shaped Himalayan Buddhism. Owning such a piece is an invitation to connect with these rich cultural and spiritual lineages.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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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