Ethereally presented
in this Nepalese gilded copper statue, Lord Kubera appears as a powerful, robustly
built divine being. His large round face is animated by an emotion of
authoritativeness, which is enhanced by the royalty of his Maharajalilasana
posture and exquisite attire. The conch as a symbol of the wealth of the oceans
and underworld is seen in his hand and near his foot that dangles graciously on
the intricately sculpted lotus pedestal.
The Guardian of Abundance
This exquisite 16-inch seated figure, crafted from copper and meticulously gilded with pure gold, depicts a powerful deity venerated across the Himalayan regions and beyond. Rendered in the rich artistic traditions of Nepal, this statue embodies the divine presence of Kubera, the celestial treasurer and god of wealth. His serene yet commanding posture, seated in a relaxed yet dignified manner on an ornate pedestal, speaks of his immense power and benevolence. The intricate details, from the flowing robes adorned with elaborate patterns to the serene facial expression, are a testament to the skill of the artisan.
Kubera: Lord of the Yakshas
In Hindu mythology, Kubera is revered as the king of the Yakshas, a class of semi-divine beings often associated with nature, fertility, and hidden treasures. He is often depicted as a corpulent figure, symbolizing prosperity and abundance, and is said to reside in the mythical city of Alaka in the Himalayas, adorned with palaces made of gold and jewels. The Puranas and other ancient texts describe Kubera as the lord of the North, guarding the wealth of the earth and bestowing riches upon those who are virtuous and devoted. His stories often highlight his role as a benevolent deity, ensuring the prosperity and well-being of his devotees. In Buddhist traditions, Kubera is also recognized as a Dharma protector and a wealthy deity, often invoked for good fortune and the removal of obstacles.
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A Masterpiece of Nepali Artistry
This magnificent statue showcases the unparalleled craftsmanship that has characterized Nepali metalwork for centuries. The use of copper as the base material provides a robust foundation, while the generous application of gold gilding imbues the figure with a divine radiance. Every element, from the swirling cloud-like motifs adorning the base to the intricate jewelry and crown gracing the deity, is meticulously sculpted and polished. The expressive eyes, painted with vibrant blue and black, seem to gaze into the distance, conveying a sense of deep wisdom and cosmic awareness. The very presence of this statue evokes a sense of spiritual gravitas and an aura of opulence, making it a truly remarkable piece for any sacred space or discerning collection. It serves not just as an object of devotion but as a significant cultural artifact, carrying forward the legacy of artistic excellence and spiritual devotion from the heart of Nepal.
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.
