As in India so in Nepal, Sri Ganesha is a beloved deity, worshipped by his followers for protection and auspiciousness in life. This statue of Ganesha from Nepal is sculpted in classic iconography of the region, depicting the elephant-faced Lord sitting on a lotus throne in the regal Maharajalilasana. The features of the sculpture are such that it bears a striking resemblance to the statue of Kubera or Jambhala, the deity of wealth, often depicted in the same posture, with his mongoose (replaced by Ganesha’s rat in this icon).
Other than his characteristic features popular in Hinduism of India, Ganesha in Newari Hinduism carries a reddish, visible in his right hand, as a symbol of the crops that he protects, ensuring abundance in the homes of his devotees.
The Remover of Obstacles: A Nepalese Ganesha Masterpiece
This exquisite copper figurine, meticulously crafted in Nepal, embodies the divine presence of Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed deity revered as the god of wisdom, intellect, and prosperity. With its substantial presence and intricate detailing, this piece is more than just a statue; it is a conduit to the spiritual heart of the Himalayas.A Form of Divine Auspiciousness
Ganesha, known affectionately as Vighnaharta (the remover of obstacles), is one of the most worshipped deities in the Hindu pantheon. His form is symbolic: the elephant head signifies wisdom and intellect, the large ears represent the ability to listen intently, and the trunk, capable of both great strength and delicate precision, symbolizes adaptability. The broken tusk, often depicted, refers to his sacrifice in writing down the Mahabharata, the epic poem. In this representation, Ganesha is seated in a tranquil posture, a gesture of peace and contemplation. His multiple arms, a common iconography, hold various symbolic implements, each with its own profound meaning. The offering in one hand, possibly a sweet, represents the rewards of spiritual effort, while the axe in another signifies the severing of attachments and ignorance.Craftsmanship Steeped in Tradition
The art of sculpting deities from copper in Nepal has a rich lineage, deeply intertwined with the devotional practices of both Hinduism and Buddhism that flourish in the region. Nepalese artisans draw upon centuries of skill and a profound understanding of religious iconography. This figurine reflects that heritage, with each curve and line imbued with devotional intent. The warm, burnished copper finish lends a timeless aura, suggesting an antiquity that belies its creation. The intricate carvings adorning Ganesha’s crown, jewelry, and the lotus-petal base speak to the patience and dedication of the artist, transforming mere metal into a sacred artifact. The small figure of a mouse at his feet, Ganesha's vahana (vehicle), adds a touch of charm and completeness to the composition, symbolizing humility and overcoming the ego.A Focal Point for Blessings and Serenity
Placing this Ganesha figurine in your home or office is an invitation for good fortune, wisdom, and the removal of life's challenges. It serves as a constant reminder of Ganesha's benevolent presence, offering a focal point for prayer, meditation, and positive intention. Its presence can transform a space, infusing it with an atmosphere of peace, learning, and spiritual aspiration. This piece is an ideal gift for anyone seeking blessings, embarking on new ventures, or simply wishing to bring a touch of divine elegance and cultural richness into their lives. It is a testament to the enduring power of faith and the exceptional artistry that Nepal offers to the world.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.
