Lord Kubera, the
divine treasurer and king of the Yakshas, embodies
wealth, prosperity, and opulence. As the guardian of all treasures in the
universe, he not only bestows riches but also safeguards them. Numerous titles
celebrate his dominion over various semi-divine beings and the world's
treasures.
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He is the deity of
fertility and abundance. King Kubera grasps a
valuable pagoda with his left hand, from which an array of treasures gracefully
cascades. Simultaneously, his left-hand cradles a mongoose named Nehulay, which
emits precious jewels from its mouth. The mongoose, known as the adversary of
snakes often symbolizes greed or hatred.Â
An Emblem of Prosperity and Divine Protection
This magnificent statue embodies the powerful deity Kubera, revered in Buddhist and Hindu traditions as the king of the Yakshas and the god of wealth. Crafted with exquisite artistry in Nepal, this opulent copper sculpture, finished with a lustrous gold plating, radiates an aura of abundance and divine blessing. Its impressive size and intricate detailing make it a commanding presence, designed to inspire reverence and attract prosperity.
The image depicts Kubera seated regally upon a magnificent mythical creature, a symbol of his dominion and power. The deity's countenance is stern yet benevolent, with piercing eyes and an ornate headdress, reflecting his role as a protector and bestower of riches. His posture is one of controlled power, a divine ruler overseeing his vast cosmic wealth. The detailed musculature and the fine drapery of his garments are testament to the skill of the Nepalese artisans who have brought this sacred figure to life.Symbolism and Mythological Significance
In Buddhist cosmology, Kubera is often depicted as one of the four Heavenly Kings, guardians of the cardinal directions, and protector of the northern quarter. He is associated with the earth's treasures and the guardianship of wealth, both material and spiritual. Tales abound of his generosity, his vast palaces overflowing with riches, and his role in dispensing fortune to the deserving. He is also known by various names, including Vaishravana, the great king who hears all. His iconography often includes a mongoose, from whose mouth jewels pour, signifying his inexhaustible wealth. In this depiction, the presence of the mythical beast beneath him further underscores his supreme authority and command over worldly and otherworldly riches. The flame-like crests on the creature's head and mane, rendered in vibrant green, suggest elemental power and vitality, complementing the golden hue of the deity. The object held aloft by Kubera, resembling a bell atop a staff, is a symbol often associated with Buddhist rituals, representing the sound of dharma and the dissemination of wisdom and blessings.Artistic Mastery and Cultural Heritage
This statue is not merely an object of devotion; it is a masterpiece of Nepalese craftsmanship. The use of copper as the base material, combined with the meticulous gold plating, ensures both durability and a resplendent finish. The intricate carving, the delicate ornamentation adorning Kubera's body, and the elaborate aureole behind him showcase a tradition of artistry passed down through generations. The vibrant colors used on the deity's face and the green of the mythical beast add a dynamic visual appeal, drawing the viewer into the divine narrative. Each element, from the serene yet powerful expression to the dynamic pose, is rendered with profound attention to detail, reflecting the deep spiritual and cultural significance attributed to Kubera in the Himalayan region. Displaying this statue in your home or sacred space is an invitation to embrace prosperity, seek divine protection, and connect with a rich artistic and spiritual heritage.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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