This copper statue from
Nepal depicts Kubera, the ruler of the Yakshas and Lord of the North,
sitting in the lavish Maharajalilasana.
The trimness of Kubera's accessories and clothing, as well as the
magnificent crown on his head, draw attention to the roundness of his torso and
body. The mongoose Kubera holds in his hand releases jewels from its mouth,
creating a mountain of gems in front of the Lord. Appearing paternalistically
benevolent, Kubera in this form is adored for knowing where hidden wealth comes
from and bringing it to the homes of his followers.
Embodying Wealth and Prosperity
This exquisite copper statue captures the essence of Kubera, the king of the Yakshas and the god of wealth and fortune in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions. Revered as the treasurer of the gods, Kubera holds a pivotal role in distributing wealth and ensuring prosperity for devotees. His iconography is rich with symbolism, often depicting him as a corpulent figure adorned with jewels and holding a bag of treasures or a mongoose, which spouts jewels. This particular sculpture, crafted with meticulous detail in Nepal, radiates an aura of benevolent power and abundance.
A Testament to Nepalese Artistry
Originating from the skilled hands of Nepalese artisans, this statue is a remarkable example of traditional craftsmanship. The use of copper, a material steeped in ritualistic significance across many cultures, lends a timeless and sacred quality to the piece. The intricate detailing on Kubera's ornate crown, his serene yet powerful facial expression, and the flowing drapery of his garments showcase the artisans' mastery of metalwork. The patina achieved through expert finishing enhances the depth and character of the sculpture, giving it a sense of ancient wisdom and spiritual depth.
Kubera in Mythology and Culture
In Vedic mythology, Kubera is often associated with the North direction and is considered the guardian of treasures hidden in the earth. He is said to reside in the magnificent city of Alaka, a place of unparalleled splendor. In Buddhist traditions, Kubera is recognized as one of the Four Heavenly Kings and plays a crucial role in protecting the Dharma and aiding those who practice generosity and virtue. His association with wealth is not merely material but also spiritual, representing inner riches, good fortune, and the fulfillment of desires. This statue, therefore, serves as a powerful visual reminder of these auspicious qualities.
A Sacred Icon for Your Sanctuary
This finely crafted copper statue of Kubera is more than just an artistic object; it is a sacred icon designed to inspire devotion and attract positive energies. Whether placed in a home altar, meditation space, or as a distinguished decorative piece, it invites the blessings of wealth, prosperity, and well-being. Its presence can serve as a constant reminder to cultivate generosity, maintain integrity in one's dealings, and aspire towards abundance in all aspects of life. This sculpture is a bridge connecting the earthly realm with the divine, offering a tangible representation of aspirations for a prosperous and fulfilling existence.
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.
