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100% Handmade
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MADE IN INDIA.

Baby Ganesha Sucking His Toe

$722.25
$963
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You will experience intense and divine love if you stare at him for a while. You are likely to become mesmerized by the sweetness of his form and appearance and forget that the infant boy you see is actually Lord Ganesha, the god of knowledge and the remover of obstacles, perched atop a lovely chowki (small table) and appears to be a bundle of joy. Adorned with distinctive Nepalse ornaments, the plump-bodied Ganesha bends dotingly to suck his toe, reminding us of the images of Baal-Krishna, where a blue-skinned Kanha places his toe in his mouth in a similar manner. Such an enchanting amalgamation of iconography across nations! 

Specifications
ZEN108
Copper Statue From Nepal
Height: 7.5 inch
Width: 7.5 inch
Depth: 11.5 inch
Weight 3 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
Free Delivery
Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Timeless Vignette of Divine Playfulness

This exquisite copper statue captures a charming and intimate moment of the beloved deity Ganesha in his divine infancy. Depicted in a relaxed posture, the young god is seen playfully sucking on his toe, a universal image of childhood innocence and contentment. The artist has masterfully rendered the plump, rounded form of baby Ganesha, imbuing the copper with a sense of warmth and life. The intricate detailing extends to the delicate ornaments adorning his wrists and ankles, as well as the elaborate, crown-like headdress that hints at his divine status, even in his tender years.

The Enduring Symbolism of Ganesha

Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, is one of the most revered deities in Hinduism, widely worshipped as the remover of obstacles, the patron of arts and sciences, and the deva of intellect and wisdom. His auspicious presence is invoked at the beginning of rituals and ceremonies, ensuring success and prosperity. While known for his divine wisdom and power, this depiction of baby Ganesha highlights his relatable and endearing human side. Such portrayals often remind devotees that even the most powerful beings experience the joys and simplicities of childhood, fostering a deeper connection and devotion. This specific pose, with Ganesha engrossed in his own playful exploration, speaks to the inherent joy and curiosity of life, mirroring the stages of development and learning that are fundamental to all beings.

Craftsmanship from the Himalayas

This remarkable copper statue originates from Nepal, a land renowned for its rich artistic heritage and its profound spiritual traditions. Nepalese artisans have long been celebrated for their skill in metalwork, particularly in casting intricate sculptures that blend devotional themes with exceptional craftsmanship. The use of copper, a material imbued with symbolic meaning in many cultures for its purity and conductivity, allows for a detailed and enduring representation of the divine. The patina achieved on the copper further enhances the depth and character of the sculpture, giving it an aged beauty that suggests it has been a cherished object for generations. The ornate base on which the infant Ganesha rests, with its decorative motifs and elegant supports, underscores the reverence and artistry dedicated to this sacred representation. This piece is not merely a decorative item but a tangible connection to a vibrant artistic and spiritual lineage.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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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