Garuda,
the divine Vahana
of Vishnu, is a revered figure in Nepal's Hindu culture, where devotees of
the great preserver visit his shrines and statue in Darbaar Square with
deep reverence. This statue from Nepal
represents Garuda in a spirited mood, with his big wings flying in the air as
he clutches his enemy- a Naga- in his pointed beak. Garuda is frequently
portrayed in Hindu literature as an arch-rival of serpents or Nagas. Garuda's
shape can be separated into two parts: human and bird. His body has a belly
that resembles that of Kubera, while his wings and legs are feathered.
Garuda's face is inspiring awe in the heart with its three animated eyes,
horns, and fire halo, all embellished with an aesthetic silver tone.
The Divine Avian Protector: A Masterpiece of Nepalese Craftsmanship
This exquisite copper statue depicts Garuda, the celestial mount of Lord Vishnu and the king of birds, in a powerful and dynamic pose. Revered in Hindu and Buddhist traditions, Garuda is a symbol of strength, speed, courage, and the ultimate vanquisher of serpents. The depiction captures the divine bird in a moment of fierce readiness, its wings unfurled and its gaze fixed, emanating an aura of protective energy. The intricate details showcase the masterful skill of Nepalese artisans, who have brought this mythological figure to life through their skilled hands.Mythological Significance and Symbolism
Garuda's origins are steeped in ancient lore. Born from the egg of Vinata, he is a son of Kashyapa, the progenitor of all beings. His lifelong animosity with the Naga (serpent) race stems from a divine pact and a quest to rescue his mother from servitude to Kadru, the mother of serpents. This eternal struggle symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and the cosmic order over chaos. Garuda's unwavering devotion to Vishnu makes him a powerful emblem of faith and divine protection. In Buddhist traditions, he is often seen as a protector against ignorance and negative forces, embodying vigilance and wisdom. The presence of snakes often entwined around the base of Garuda imagery further emphasizes his role as their subjugator and protector of the earthly realm from their malevolent influence.Artistic Brilliance and Materiality
Crafted from high-quality copper in Nepal, this statue is a testament to the region's rich artistic heritage. The use of copper allows for the intricate molding and detailing that defines this piece. The surface is adorned with a patina that enhances its depth and texture, highlighting the sharp contours of Garuda's face, the layered feathers of his wings, and the intricate ornamentation of his attire. The dynamic pose, with its slight lean and outstretched claws, conveys a sense of imminent action, drawing the viewer into the narrative of this divine being. The elaborate headdress, the majestic mustache, and the stern yet noble expression all contribute to the commanding presence of the idol. The surrounding stylized clouds further accentuate Garuda's celestial nature, suggesting his swift flight through the heavens.A Sacred Icon for Your Sanctuary
This captivating statue is more than just a decorative object; it is a spiritual artifact imbued with deep meaning. It serves as a powerful reminder of divine protection, courage, and the eternal struggle against negativity. Whether placed in a home altar, meditation space, or as a statement piece in a living area, it is sure to inspire awe and reverence. The meticulous craftsmanship and the profound symbolism make this copper Garuda idol a cherished addition to any collection of religious art or a meaningful gift for those seeking blessings of strength and protection. Its substantial presence and the inherent spiritual resonance of the deity it represents make it a focal point for contemplation and devotion.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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