This copper statue of
Naga Kanya from Nepal intricately represents a mystical serpent deity. Crafted
with precision, it embodies the serpentine spirits of Hindu and Buddhist
traditions, often depicted as celestial beings. The copper medium adds a
lustrous sheen, enhancing the divine aura of the sculpture. Symbolizing
fertility, protection, and cosmic energy, the Naga Kanya is a revered icon in
Nepalese culture.
This exquisite
artwork showcases the skilled craftsmanship of Nepali artisans, capturing the
serpentine deity's graceful form with cultural significance. The statue stands
as a testament to Nepal's rich religious heritage and artistic expression.
Embrace the Mystical: The Serpent-Maiden of Nepal
This exquisite copper sculpture from Nepal captures the enigmatic essence of the Naga Kanya, a being deeply woven into the tapestry of Hindu and Buddhist mythology. The Naga Kanya, or serpent maiden, is a celestial being with the form of a human woman from the waist up and a serpent's body below. She embodies both the earthly power and the otherworldly grace of the serpent deities, who are guardians of hidden treasures, wisdom, and the waters of life. In various traditions, Nagas are seen as protectors of sacred sites and are associated with fertility and prosperity.A Masterpiece of Craftsmanship
Meticulously cast in rich copper, this 8-inch statue is a testament to the skilled artistry of Nepalese craftspeople. The figure radiates a serene yet powerful presence. Her human torso is adorned with intricate jewelry and a divine headdress from which emerges a formidable hood of multiple cobras, a classic depiction of the Naga's protective and potent nature. The sculptor's keen eye for detail is evident in the delicate carving of her facial features, the graceful curve of her wings, and the scaly texture of her serpentine lower body. The artist has masterfully balanced the feminine form with the primal power of the serpent, creating a visually compelling deity.Mythological Resonance and Cultural Significance
The Naga Kanya is often depicted as a celestial dancer, a seductress, or a benevolent protector. She is said to inhabit the underworld or hidden realms, guarding ancient secrets and treasures. In some tales, she can be a lover or consort to humans, bestowing blessings or curses depending on their conduct. This sculpture can be seen as representing her multifaceted nature, simultaneously divine and primal, beautiful and fearsome. The presence of wings suggests a connection to the celestial realms, transcending earthly boundaries. This representation of the Naga Kanya offers a tangible connection to the rich spiritual heritage of the Himalayan region, where such divine beings are venerated and their stories are passed down through generations. Owning this statue is like holding a piece of ancient lore, a symbol of protection, wisdom, and the enduring mysteries of the universe.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.
