An amalgamation of
cultures and iconography, this copper statue of Vishnu and Lakshmi in Nepealse
idiom is a beautiful example of religious art that transcends boundaries. On a
lotus pedestal which is associated with both the deities, Vishnu and Lakshmi stand
in erect poses, surrounded by the aureole of Adishesha (the cosmic serpent)’s
coils, intertwined to symbolize eternity.
Vishnu is Chaturbhuja
or four-armed, with his characteristic attributes, and Lakshmi too, embodies
supreme beauty and auspiciousness, holding her Padma (lotus) and the gesture of
fearlessness.
The divine duo has a
lovely hairdo in the quintessential Buddhist style with facial features derived
from the iconography of Buddhism. Sculpted in a rounded manner, with fine
details on the hood of Shesha and the bodies of Vishnu and Lakshmi, this statue
is a symbol of the Universal popularity of Hinduism and its deities, revered in
the Himalayan country with great devotion.
Divine Union and Cosmic Rest
This exquisite copper statue captures a moment of profound divinity, depicting Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi in serene contemplation, sheltered by the divine serpent Sheshnag. Lord Vishnu, the preserver and protector of the universe, is shown with his characteristic multiple arms, each poised to uphold cosmic order or bestow blessings. He holds symbols of his power and dominion, representing his active role in the cyclical nature of existence. Beside him stands Goddess Lakshmi, the embodiment of wealth, prosperity, and auspiciousness. Her gentle posture and serene expression convey her divine grace and her role as the bringer of abundance. Together, they represent the perfect union of masculine and feminine divine energies, the balance between creation and sustenance, power and grace.The Cosmic Serpent and Divine Abode
Sheshnag, the king of all serpents, forms the majestic canopy above the divine couple. With his many hoods spread wide, he serves as a divine throne and protection, symbolizing eternity and the boundless expanse of the cosmos. In Hindu mythology, Sheshnag is often depicted as the couch upon which Lord Vishnu rests during the cosmic dissolution, embodying the primordial waters of creation and the infinite nature of time. His presence here not only elevates the divine pair but also signifies their eternal reign and the cosmic energies that emanate from them. The intricate detailing of Sheshnag's scales and hoods reflects the masterful craftsmanship of Nepalese artisans, imbuing the sculpture with a sense of deep spiritual significance and artistic mastery.A Symbol of Harmony and Blessings
This statue is more than just an artistic representation; it is a powerful symbol of harmony, prosperity, and divine protection. The presence of both Vishnu and Lakshmi together signifies the blessings of material wealth and spiritual fulfillment, a balance sought by many in their earthly journey. Vishnu's protective stance and Lakshmi's benevolent gaze offer solace and assurance, reminding devotees of the divine forces that guide and sustain life. Crafted from high-quality copper, this sculpture possesses a timeless appeal, its patina developing a unique character with age, further enhancing its spiritual aura. It serves as a focal point for devotion, meditation, and as a cherished heirloom, connecting generations to the rich tapestry of Hindu philosophy and artistry.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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