Kubera is depicted as
a dwarf with a fair complexion and a prominent belly. Some descriptions
attribute him to unique features like three legs, eight teeth, one eye, and
various deformities. He is often adorned with jewels and may be shown riding a
man.
In his hands, Kubera holds
symbolic objects such as a mace, a pomegranate, or a money bag, all of which
represent wealth and prosperity. Additionally, he is sometimes portrayed with a
sheaf of jewels or accompanied by a mongoose, which symbolizes his victory over
the Nāgas, the guardians of treasures. This association with the mongoose is
particularly prevalent in Tibetan Buddhism, where
Kubera is often depicted with this creature in Buddhist iconography.
Embodiment of Wealth and Prosperity
This exquisite statue captures the powerful presence of Kubera, the god of wealth and the king of Yakshas, in traditional Nepalese artistry. Crafted from durable copper and enhanced with a lustrous gold plating, this eight-inch idol is a testament to the skill and devotion of its creators. Kubera, a figure revered in both Hinduism and Buddhism, is synonymous with abundance, material possessions, and the successful management of wealth. In Buddhist traditions, he is particularly venerated as a protector of treasures and a bestower of good fortune.
A Divine Patron of Riches
Kubera's story is rich with mythological narratives. He is often depicted as a benevolent deity, ruling over the mythical city of Alaka in the Himalayas. Legends tell of his divine chariot, Pushpaka Vimana, which could travel at incredible speeds and accommodate vast riches. He is also associated with the mongoose, which, when held in his hand, disgorges jewels, symbolizing his inexhaustible wealth. This idol, with its regal bearing and commanding countenance, embodies these powerful attributes, making it a fitting symbol for any space dedicated to prosperity and well-being.
Artistry and Symbolism
The meticulous craftsmanship evident in this statue highlights the cultural heritage of Nepalese metalwork. The gold plating not only adds to its visual appeal but also signifies the divine and precious nature of the deity. Kubera is depicted here in a seated posture, often indicative of his stable and established dominion over wealth. His serene yet powerful expression, adorned with traditional jewelry and a majestic crown, conveys his status as a divine ruler. The rich brown hues of the robes contrast beautifully with the gleaming gold, creating a visually striking and spiritually resonant piece. This idol serves as a potent reminder of the pursuit of material success, guided by virtue and spiritual understanding.
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.
