Shadabhujadhari
(six-armed) Ganesha in this copper statue from Nepal dances brilliantly,
exuding a divine dynamism in his surroundings with his ethereal form. Ganesha
stands on his Mushak or rat, with one foot raised in the air to create an
animated vision of the statute. His ornaments are rich- from the Nepalese crown
to necklaces, to his intricately patterned dhoti, Ganesha carries a regal air.
A symbol of the amalgamation of ancient Hindu tradition in the culture of
Newar, Ganesha in this statue is an artistic and religious treasure.
The Divine Dance of Ganesha: A Masterpiece of Nepalese Craftsmanship
Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Lord Ganesha, the beloved remover of obstacles and patron of arts and sciences, with this exquisite six-armed dancing copper statue. Hailing from the rich artistic traditions of Nepal, this idol captures the joyous spirit of Ganesha's cosmic dance, a powerful metaphor for the eternal rhythm of creation and destruction. The intricate details and masterful craftsmanship are evident in every curve and contour, showcasing the skill of Nepalese artisans who have honed their craft over generations.
Crafted from pure copper, the statue possesses a timeless allure. Copper, revered for its conductive and purifying properties in many cultures, lends a warm, lustrous patina to this divine representation. The divine being is depicted in mid-dance, his form dynamic and full of movement. His six arms, each holding a symbolic object, suggest his omnipresence and multifaceted power. The upper right hand might wield an axe, symbolizing the cutting away of ignorance and ego, while the upper left could hold a noose, representing the control over worldly attachments. The lower arms are dynamically positioned, one extended as if in blessing, the other perhaps holding a sweet or his divine writing instrument.Symbolism and Spirituality
The dancing form of Ganesha, known as Nritya Ganapati or Natya Ganapati, is particularly significant. It is said that Ganesha's dance can inspire creativity, uplift the spirit, and bring about auspicious beginnings. The stories of Ganesha's prowess are legendary. As the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, he earned his unique form and his position as the leader of Shiva's legions. His wisdom is so profound that he is also revered as the scribe of the Mahabharata, a monumental epic, undertaking the task of writing it down as dictated by the sage Vyasa, even at the cost of breaking his own pen.
The presence of his vahana, the mouse (Mushika), beneath his feet further enhances the symbolism. The mouse, a creature known for its ability to navigate the smallest of spaces, represents the conquering of desires and the control of the senses. By taming the mouse, Ganesha signifies his mastery over the subtle energies of the universe. This copper idol, with Ganesha poised gracefully upon his vehicle, encapsulates this profound message of control and liberation.A Cherished Heirloom
This seven-inch statue is not merely an object of worship but a work of art designed to be a focal point of devotion and admiration. Its substantial copper construction ensures its durability, promising to be a treasured heirloom passed down through generations. Place it in your home, office, or meditation space to invite Ganesha's blessings of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. The Nepalese origin imbues it with a unique spiritual and cultural resonance, connecting you to a lineage of profound artistic and devotional expression. This dancing Ganesha statue is a tangible manifestation of divine joy and a powerful reminder of the transformative power of overcoming obstacles.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.
