7" Dancing Ganesha Idol | Copper Statue from Nepal

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MADE IN INDIA.

7" Dancing Ganesha Idol | Copper Statue from Nepal

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Name: 7" Dancing Ganesha Idol | Copper Statue from Nepal
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: WSA052
Price: 425.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$398.25

$531

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Dance in Nepalese culture is an expression of divinity and unfathomable power. With the most powerful dancing images belonging to Nataraja or dancing Shiva, there are several other divinities, such as Devi and Ganesha, who dance, filling the ambiance with their celestial bliss. This copper statue from Nepal depicts the elephant-headed deity, Ganesha, dancing majestically while trampling on a rat, a rodent species that causes harm to crops of people.

Ganesha is often worshipped by the farming population of Nepal for taming rats, and the image of Ganesha standing above the menacing animal is a reminder to the devotees, that the supreme protector is guarding their crops and abundance. Ganesha is four-armed, adorned with traditional Nepalese ornaments, and a third eye on his forehead, which is rare in his iconography in India. Another unique element in this Nepalese sculpture of Ganesha is the reddish in his right hand, a symbol of the abundance of crops.

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Specifications

	WSA052
	Copper
	Height: 7 inch
	Width: 2.5 inch
	Depth: 4.5 inch
	Weight 860 gm

Delivery and Return Policies

	Ships in 1-3 days
	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

The Divine Dancer of Nepal

This exquisite copper statue, originating from the skilled artisans of Nepal, captures the dynamic energy and divine grace of Lord Ganesha in his dancing form, known as Nritta Ganapati. Standing at seven inches tall, this piece is a testament to the rich artistic heritage of the region, where spirituality and craftsmanship are intricately woven together. The sculpture depicts Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed deity, poised in a moment of joyous movement, his limbs flowing with an effortless rhythm. The traditional depiction of Ganesha as the remover of obstacles and the lord of beginnings is infused with a vibrant sense of celebration in this dancing posture. Often, when Ganesha dances, it is said to signify the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction, a powerful metaphor for the cyclical nature of existence. His many arms are held in various mudras, or symbolic hand gestures, each conveying a specific meaning—perhaps bestowing blessings, dispelling fear, or holding the tools of his divine power. The intricate detailing of his ornaments, from the beaded necklaces to the armbands and anklets, speaks to the opulence and majesty associated with the divine.

The Symbolism of the Mouse

Beneath the dancing deity rests his vahana, the humble mouse, Mushika. Far from being a mere accessory, the mouse symbolizes Ganesha's mastery over desires and the subduing of the ego. In Hindu mythology, Mushika is often depicted as having been a demon or a greedy individual who was transformed into a mouse by Ganesha. Ganesha's ability to control even this creature, known for its insatiable hunger and propensity for destruction, highlights his supreme power. The mouse's presence at Ganesha's feet, often shown nibbling at a modak (a sweet dumpling, a favorite of Ganesha), signifies that even the most primal instincts can be brought under divine control and redirected towards auspicious purposes. This intricate relationship between the deity and his vahana is a profound lesson in self-mastery and the transformation of negative impulses into positive forces.

A Masterpiece of Nepalese Craftsmanship

Crafted from high-quality copper, this statue embodies the meticulous techniques passed down through generations of Nepalese metalworkers. The rich patina and subtle variations in color achieved through the casting and finishing process lend the idol a sense of antiquity and spiritual depth. Nepal has long been a hub for Buddhist and Hindu art, with its artisans renowned for their ability to imbue their creations with profound spiritual meaning and breathtaking aesthetic appeal. The intricate patterns that adorn the base and the elaborate headdress of Ganesha are characteristic of traditional Nepalese art, showcasing a mastery of detail that elevates this piece from a mere artifact to a sacred work of art. Owning this Dancing Ganesha is not just acquiring a beautiful object, but bringing home a tangible piece of spiritual heritage, a conduit for divine blessings and a reminder of the joyous, transformative power of the divine dancer.

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.