Emerging in
the literary and artistic tradition of Hinduism, Ganesha is a deity revered
with equal devotion across the globe. In Nepalese Hinduism, he is a powerful
deity, worshipped to attain success and protection from natural disasters. The
agriculturally sustained culture of the Newari or Nepali people perceives
Ganesha as a Lord who protects them and their crops from nature’s wrath and the
menace of rodents. The Mushak or rat of Ganesha thus is a sign of His control
over animals of this species who trouble the farmer.
An evocation
of this simple yet significant role of Ganesha is seen in Nepalese art such as
this copper statue where the elephant-faced deity stands in a graceful pose
that reminds one of the standing Bodhisattva statues. Adorned with ornaments, a
traditional crown, and dhoti, Ganesha holds the rat in his left hand, and in
the other hand carries a radish (a motif signifying good crop), which is a
unique element in his depictions in the art of Nepal valley.
Divine Embodiment of Wisdom and Auspiciousness
This exquisite standing idol depicts Lord Ganesha, the revered elephant-headed deity, in a dignified and commanding posture. Crafted in Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual heritage and artistic mastery, this statue is a testament to the enduring devotion and skilled artistry of its creators. The rich copper base, meticulously silver-plated, lends an aura of divine luminescence to the figure, highlighting the intricate details of its form and ornamentation.
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Symbolism and Iconography
Lord Ganesha, the Remover of Obstacles and the bestower of good fortune, is a beloved deity in Hinduism. Often invoked at the beginning of new ventures, his presence is believed to clear the path for success and prosperity. In this representation, Ganesha stands tall, adorned with traditional jewelry and a majestic crown, signifying his regal status as the leader of the celestial hosts. His multiple arms, characteristic of his divine nature, are positioned to hold various symbolic attributes. In one hand, he grasps a modak, his favorite sweet, symbolizing the rewards of spiritual endeavor. Another hand may be raised in a gesture of blessing or holding his divine axe, the parashu, to sever obstacles. The presence of Mushak, his loyal vahana or mount, at his feet, reinforces this connection. Mushak, the mouse, symbolizes mastery over desires and the ability to navigate even the smallest and most hidden paths, mirroring Ganesha's own wisdom and foresight. The intricate detailing on his garment and the lotus-like base further elevate the sanctity and beauty of this divine representation.
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Artistic Heritage of Nepal
The artistry of Nepal, particularly in the realm of religious sculpture, is world-renowned. For centuries, Nepalese artisans have perfected the techniques of metal casting and embellishment, drawing inspiration from both Buddhist and Hindu traditions. This idol embodies that rich artistic legacy, showcasing the delicate craftsmanship and deep spiritual understanding that characterizes Nepalese devotional art. The fusion of copper and silver plating not only enhances the visual appeal but also signifies the blending of earthly substance with celestial brilliance, a common theme in sacred artistry. The meticulous attention to every detail, from the texture of the skin to the serene expression on Ganesha's face, makes this idol a truly remarkable piece, capable of bringing peace, prosperity, and a touch of divine grace into any space. It serves as a powerful reminder of the timeless wisdom and benevolent power of Lord Ganesha.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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