Frowning eyebrows,
large eyes, pinched nose and gently smiling lips- Lord Kubera in this Nepalese statue is the ideal balance of ferocious and benevolent. A regal five-pronged
Nepalese crown with tiny skulls adorns his head, along with earrings, necklaces,
a serpent, and a thinly sculpted scarf. The jewel-spitting Mongoose in his hand
has made a heap of gems on the lotus throne, whose beauty can be best
appreciated on the reverse, where the sculptor has marked it with the
Dhammachakra and two deer- auspicious motifs in Buddhism.Â
Embodiment of Wealth and Prosperity
Behold this magnificent copper statue from Nepal, a resplendent depiction of Lord Kubera, the celestial king of Yakshas and the divine treasurer of the gods. This awe-inspiring artwork, crafted with meticulous detail and an exquisite gold plating, captures the divine essence and immense power of the deity associated with wealth, fortune, and abundance. Lord Kubera, revered across Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, is a potent symbol of material prosperity and spiritual richness, invoked by devotees seeking to overcome financial obstacles and achieve auspicious blessings.A Divine Guardian and Bestower of Riches
In Hindu mythology, Kubera is often portrayed as the lord of all riches, residing in the golden city of Lanka, which he built himself. He is also known as the guardian of the North and is said to possess the mythical mongoose, which is depicted with him in many art forms, symbolizing his power to consume all evils and bestow wealth. In Buddhist traditions, Kubera is revered as Jambhala, a wealth deity who, despite his formidable appearance, is benevolent and liberates sentient beings from the suffering of poverty and material lack. This statue, with its commanding presence and rich ornamentation, embodies the formidable yet generous nature of this divine figure, inviting prosperity and well-being into your sacred space.Artistry from the Himalayan Traditions
This exceptional piece originates from Nepal, a land steeped in rich artistic traditions and a deep spiritual heritage. Nepalese artisans are renowned for their mastery in metal casting and sculpture, creating works of art that are not only aesthetically captivating but also imbued with profound spiritual significance. The use of copper, a revered metal in many ancient cultures, combined with the luxurious gold plating, elevates this statue to a truly artisanal masterpiece. The intricate details, from the divine expression on Kubera's face to the subtle yet powerful symbolism in his posture and accoutrements, reflect the skill and devotion of the craftspeople who brought this divine form to life.A Sacred Centerpiece for Auspicious Blessings
The imposing size of this statue makes it a commanding presence in any setting, whether it be a personal altar, a meditation space, or a dedicated area for worship. Its radiant gold plating and the rich hues of the copper are designed to draw the eye and inspire a sense of reverence and awe. Displaying this image of Lord Kubera is believed to attract positive energy, financial good fortune, and spiritual well-being. It serves as a constant reminder of the divine abundance that is available and encourages a mindset of prosperity and gratitude. This statue is more than just a decorative object; it is a conduit for invoking the blessings of the celestial treasurer, bringing harmony and affluence to your life.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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