Kubera in
Buddhism is a guardian deity but similar to his role in Hinduism, he plays the
part of a bestower of universal wealth. He is revered as a deity who knows
about visible and occult wealth and whose benevolence can make his devotees
eternally wealthy. This copper statue of Kubera from Nepal brings out the
aspect of the deity as a caretaker of wealth.
Kubera sits
in a royal Maharajalalisana pose on a lotus seat, with his mongoose in his left
hand. The mongoose or Nevala (Hindi) in the Indian subcontinent is the mount of
Kubera, seeing which is considered an auspicious omen. In Nepalese Buddhism,
the mongoose of Kubera can spit jewels and is a part of Kubera’s popular
iconography.
The Auspicious Presence of Jambhala
Invite prosperity and abundance into your sacred space with this exquisite copper statue depicting Jambhala, the Buddhist deity revered as the god of wealth. This meticulously crafted piece captures the essence of this benevolent figure, known to bestow material and spiritual riches upon his devotees. The rich, warm tones of the copper lend an air of timeless sanctity, making it a powerful focal point for your altar, meditation room, or any corner of your home where you seek blessings of good fortune.
A Symbol of Wealth and Protection
In Tibetan Buddhism, Jambhala is one of the Five Great King Princes of Wealth. He is often depicted seated in a relaxed yet authoritative posture, holding a citron or mongoose in one hand, which is said to disgorge jewels. His presence is believed to ward off poverty, hardship, and greed, while simultaneously cultivating generosity and abundance. Many traditions associate him with the celestial treasurer, guarding the wealth of the heavens and distributing it wisely. The intricate details of this statue, from the serene yet powerful expression on Jambhala's face to the ornate adornments that signify his divine status, reflect the deep spiritual significance attributed to him.
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Craftsmanship and Spiritual Resonance
Handcrafted from durable copper, this statue showcases the skill and devotion of artisans who infuse each piece with spiritual energy. The smooth, polished surface of the copper catches the light, highlighting the divine form and the subtle, flowing lines of his robes and jewelry. The robust material ensures longevity, allowing this statue to serve as a source of inspiration and a connection to the spiritual path for generations to come. Placing this statue in your home is not merely an act of decoration, but an invocation of the positive energies associated with wealth, well-being, and spiritual growth, embodying the ancient wisdom of the Himalayas.
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.
