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19" Kaljupa Mahakala Statue From Nepal

$2062.50
$2750
25% off
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In the ferocity of Mahakala, one often finds the courage to conquer your inner demons and embrace transformation. Mahakala, a fierce deity revered in Nepal, represents the power of time and the inevitability of change. With the minutely designed details, this sculpture depicts Kaljupa Mahakala adorned with skulls, symbolizing the impermanence of life. His wrathful appearance reminds us that change can be both fearsome and liberating. This awe-inspiring statue is a source of strength, encouraging us to face our fears, embrace change, and emerge wiser and stronger on the other side.

Specifications
NLH058
Copper With Gold
Height: 19 inch
Width: 13.5 inch
Depth: 6.5 inch
Weight 10.80 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 Fiery Visage of Protection

This extraordinary statue depicts Mahakala, the Great Black One, a wrathful deity revered in Tibetan Buddhism as a fierce protector of the Dharma. Emerging from a vibrant aura of flames, Mahakala's powerful form is rendered with breathtaking detail, capturing the intensity and dynamism of this sacred protector. Crafted from copper and adorned with accents of gold, the statue possesses a commanding presence, exuding an aura of both awe and spiritual significance. The rich patina of the copper, combined with the gleaming gold highlights, creates a striking visual contrast that draws the eye and invites contemplation.

Mahakala: The Symbol of Transcendent Power

In the rich tapestry of Buddhist mythology, Mahakala is not a figure to be feared, but a potent force that embodies the ultimate triumph over obstacles and negativities. He is seen as a manifestation of compassion in wrathful form, acting with ferocity to clear away delusions, hindrances, and spiritual ignorance that prevent beings from attaining enlightenment. Tales tell of Mahakala appearing in times of great peril, his terrifying visage serving to disarm and subdue malevolent forces that threaten the spiritual path. His wrath is a righteous anger, a necessary force to overcome the darkness and pave the way for clarity and liberation. The visual depiction of Mahakala often involves multiple arms, a fearsome expression, and is surrounded by flames, all symbolizing his boundless energy and his ability to consume ignorance. ––––––––––

Artistry from the Sacred Himalayas

This masterful sculpture originates from Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual traditions and renowned for its exquisite Buddhist art. The artisans of Nepal have for centuries dedicated themselves to the creation of sacred objects, imbuing each piece with devotion and skillful craftsmanship. This statue is a testament to that enduring legacy. The intricate detailing, from the fierce expression of Mahakala’s face to the flowing robes and the dynamic flames that emanate from him, showcases a profound understanding of both form and symbolism. The application of gold accents is not merely decorative; it signifies the divine nature of the deity and adds a luminous quality to the artwork. Each element of the statue, from the coiled serpents that adorn him to the powerful stance, is carefully sculpted to convey the protective and transformative power of Mahakala. This piece is more than just an object; it is a conduit for spiritual energy, a powerful reminder of the forces that guard the path to enlightenment.

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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