Ganesha in Nepalese Hinduism is revered as the protector of crops and auspiciousness of homes and as a cosmic guardian who eternally looks after his devotees. As an evocation of the powers of Ganesha, this copper statute from Nepal presents the elephant-headed Hindu god in a unique iconography that blends the traditional Indian attributes with the idiom of Nepal Valley. Ganesha sits on a royal throne, beautifully adorned, in his Chaturbhuja or four-armed form, carrying his characteristic attributes- Modak and ax, along with a rosary in his secondary right hand.
Ganesha’s ornate crown is a traditional Nepalese headgear of deities. A third eye adorning his forehead is also a prominent element in Nepalese sculptures of Ganesha, which emphasize his potent energies as a knower of occult and auspicious knowledge.
The Remover of Obstacles, Seated in Grace
This exquisite copper statue captures the divine presence of Lord Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed deity revered as the remover of obstacles and the patron of arts and sciences. Crafted with meticulous artistry in Nepal, this nine-inch representation embodies the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the Himalayan region. Ganesha is depicted in a seated posture, exuding an aura of calm authority and benevolent wisdom. His form, intricately detailed, speaks volumes of the devotion and skill of the artisan.Symbolism and Divine Attributes
Lord Ganesha is a powerful and complex figure in Hindu mythology. His elephantine head symbolizes wisdom, intellect, and power, while his potbelly signifies contentment and generosity. The multiple arms are a common representation of his multifaceted abilities and his power to act in all directions. In this sculpture, Ganesha holds various attributes, each carrying deep meaning. His large ears are said to represent his ability to listen attentively to his devotees, and his trunk, often curled, symbolizes the flexibility and adaptability required to overcome life's challenges. He is often depicted with a mouse as his vahana (vehicle), representing control over desires and the ego. The unbroken tusk symbolizes his sacrifice and determination, as he famously broke his own tusk to scribe the Mahabharata, one of the greatest epics of Indian literature.Artistic Craftsmanship from the Himalayas
The copper medium itself lends a timeless and sacred quality to this idol. Nepal, renowned for its skilled metalworkers, imbues each creation with a unique spirit. The patina of the copper, deepened by time and craftsmanship, lends a rich, antique allure to the sculpture. The fine detailing on Ganesha's ornate crown, the delicate jewelry adorning his neck and arms, and the textured garments all speak to the exceptional quality of Nepalese metalwork. The pedestal on which he is seated is also a work of art, featuring intricate carvings that complement the deity's form and elevate his presence. This statue is not merely an object of decoration but a conduit to divine energy, designed to inspire peace, prosperity, and wisdom.Invoking Blessings and Prosperity
Placing this statue of Lord Ganesha in your home or place of work is believed to invite his blessings for success in endeavors, good fortune, and the removal of obstacles from your path. He is invoked at the beginning of any new venture, ensuring auspicious beginnings and smooth progress. His presence is also associated with intelligence and learning, making him a revered deity for students and scholars. This handcrafted piece from Nepal serves as a beautiful reminder of the enduring power of faith and the profound symbolism embedded within Hindu traditions. It is a testament to the artistic heritage of Nepal and a sacred object that can bring spiritual solace and material well-being.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.
