The guardian deity of
the North and bestower of eternal wealth, Kubera in the Buddhist tradition is a
great guardian king. In this copper sheet artwork, Kubera or Jambhla is
depicted in his popular iconography, on a bloomed lotus, sitting in the regal
Maharajalilasana. He wears a floral crown, scarf, and dhoti which is
embellished with a slip of silver which beautifully contrasts with the copper.
Divine rays emanate from him, depicted on the background with incised lines
fusing with the aureole which is decorated with conch marks, symbols of wealth
and eternity. In his hands, Kubera holds his mongoose and Chintamani
(wish-fulfilling jewel). On the reverse of the sheet is the symbol of
Vishvavajra or the Universal Vajra (double Vajra) that dispels all evil from
life and brings divine wisdom.
Embodiment of Prosperity and Benevolence
This exquisite statue depicts Jambhala, a celestial king and a prominent deity in Tibetan Buddhism, revered as the god of wealth. Originating from Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual artistry, this copper masterpiece is a testament to the region's rich artistic heritage and profound devotional practices. The intricate craftsmanship, featuring raised silver inlay against a warm copper hue, evokes a sense of divine presence and abundance. Jambhala, also known as Kubera in Hindu mythology, is often depicted seated, holding a mongoose that spews jewels, symbolizing the unending flow of wealth. His serene yet commanding posture invites contemplation on the nature of prosperity, not just in material terms, but also in spiritual richness and well-being.
The artistry extends to the detailed ornamentation adorning the deity. His regal crown, the flowing garments, and the symbolic accoutrements are all meticulously rendered, showcasing the skill of Nepalese artisans. The circular halo behind him, a common motif in Buddhist art, signifies his enlightened status and the radiant energy he emanates. The lotus base upon which he sits is a universal symbol of purity and spiritual awakening, grounding the deity in a foundation of sacredness. The silver accents catch the light, drawing attention to the fine details and imbuing the statue with a subtle luminescence.
Auspicious Presence in Your Space
Jambhala’s association with wealth and good fortune makes this statue a powerful focal point for any home or meditation space. In various cultures, inviting the presence of wealth deities is believed to attract prosperity, overcome obstacles, and foster a sense of security and contentment. The act of venerating Jambhala is not merely about material gain, but about cultivating a mindful approach to resources and recognizing the interconnectedness of all things. This statue serves as a constant reminder of these virtues. It can be placed in your home or office to invoke blessings of abundance, inspire diligent effort, and foster a positive financial outlook. The harmonious blend of copper and silver, along with the devotional artistry, creates an object that is both aesthetically pleasing and spiritually resonant, enriching your environment with an aura of auspiciousness and divine grace.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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