Buddhism's powerful deity Kubera or Vaishravana, who rules over the
Northern region, is revered by followers for both worldly and spiritual
richness. This Kubera statue
made of copper and goldĀ depicts him in his wrathfulĀ form as a
formidableĀ defender of his devotees against the evilĀ forces and the
gloom of ignorance. The golden finish of the icon, whose beauty is heightened
by the application of finerĀ details, contrasts strikingly with the
eye-catchingĀ outlines of his facialĀ features. The heavenlinessĀ of Kubera, who is
mountedĀ on a lion and is also known as Simha-Kubera,
isĀ symbolizedĀ by the jewel-spittingĀ mongoose and victory staff
in his hand.
Embodiment of Auspicious Power
This exquisite statue captures the powerful presence of Simha-Kubera, a formidable deity revered in Tibetan Buddhism, particularly associated with wealth, prosperity, and protection. Crafted from robust copper and meticulously gilded with a lustrous layer of gold, this piece radiates an aura of divine opulence and spiritual significance. The vibrant gold leaf not only enhances the visual splendor but also symbolizes purity, enlightenment, and the inexhaustible treasures of the spiritual realm.Symbolism of the Lion and the Wealth God
Simha-Kubera, often depicted seated upon a lion, embodies the triumph of spiritual wisdom over earthly desires and ignorance. The lion, a universally recognized symbol of strength, courage, and royalty, here represents the fierce and unwavering nature of the awakened mind. Its powerful form, rendered with dynamic detail, serves as a pedestal for the divine presence, signifying that true wealth and spiritual attainment are achieved through inner strength and mastery. Kubera, the king of the Yakshas and the god of wealth in Hindu and Buddhist traditions, is invoked here to bestow abundance, good fortune, and material well-being upon devotees. The amalgamation of Simha (lion) and Kubera thus creates a potent icon of both spiritual power and worldly prosperity, a powerful reminder that these two aspects of life are not mutually exclusive but can be harmoniously integrated.Artistic Craftsmanship and Cultural Heritage
Hailing from Nepal, a land steeped in rich spiritual traditions and renowned for its master artisans, this statue is a testament to centuries of artistic heritage. Each detail, from the intricate facial features of the deity, conveying a serene yet commanding expression, to the fiery mane of the lion and the elaborate ornamentation, reflects the skill and devotion of the craftspeople. The swirling patterns of the aureole behind the deity evoke the cosmic energy and the boundless nature of consciousness. This piece is not merely a decorative object but a sacred artifact, imbued with the blessings and prayers of its creators and intended to bring auspiciousness and spiritual benefit to its owner.A Beacon of Prosperity and Protection
Display this magnificent Simha-Kubera statue in your home or meditation space to invite blessings of abundance, success, and spiritual growth. It serves as a constant reminder of the power within to overcome obstacles and to cultivate inner wealth. As a guardian against negativity and a bestower of good fortune, Simha-Kubera is a potent ally for anyone seeking to enhance their material prosperity while deepening their spiritual connection. Let this radiant golden image illuminate your path with prosperity and protection.The Divine Aura of Gold
The application of pure gold leaf upon the copper base is a sacred practice in the creation of Buddhist imagery. Gold, in many cultures, is associated with the divine, with purity, and with the unassailable radiance of the sun and the celestial bodies. In this statue, the gilded surface reflects light with a soft, ethereal glow, elevating the divine form and drawing the viewer into contemplation of its sacred significance. The meticulous application of the gold speaks to the reverence with which the deity is approached, ensuring that the representation is worthy of the divine presence it seeks to honor. This precious metal not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also imbues the statue with a sense of enduring value and spiritual potency, transforming the copper into a vessel of divine light.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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