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MADE IN INDIA.

Dadashabhujadhari Ganeshatandava (Made In Nepal)

$2024
Includes any tariffs and taxes
In Nepalese sculptural tradition, characterised by a predominance of works of art made in the service of devotional life, there is no demarcation between Buddhist or Hindu influences. The Lord Ganesha sculpture that you see on this page has the distinctive physiognomy that Nepalese artisans have developed over generations. The composure of countenance is several notches upwards in terms of expressiveness. A dynamic, almost fluid stance. A distinctive iconography found rarely in those very Indian traditions - say, Gupta or Pala art - which the artisans of Nepal draw from.

The son of Shiva is in the midst of the Shaivite Tandava. His twelve arms - He is the dadashabhujadhari Ganesha - are flaying by His side, each bearing a weapon, just like the iconography of His Durgaroopa Mother. One of His feet has come down on the back of His trusty vahana, the mouse. The silhouette quivers with motion, almost as if any minute now one foot is going to take off mid-air and the other is going to come down on the head of the mouse.

The colour palette is distinctly Nepalese: deep blue dhoti the colour of the Himalayan skies and vibrant green angavastram, contrast sharply with the rich red of the Lord’s complexion. The detailed carving on the crown of five spires, the intricately chiselled aureole, and the multi-lotus pedestal are hallmarks of the finest Nepalese handiwork.

Specifications
ZEM730
COPPER STATUE FROM NEPAL
Height: 14 inch
Width: 4.2 inch
Depth: 9 inch
Weight 4.16 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.

The Dance of the Ten-Armed Remover of Obstacles

This magnificent copper statue, meticulously crafted in Nepal, captures the divine energy of Lord Ganesha in a dynamic and powerful form. Known as Dadashabhujadhari, meaning "one with ten arms," this representation showcases Ganesha's multifaceted nature and his ability to engage with the world on countless levels. The "Tandava" aspect refers to his cosmic dance, a powerful expression of creation, preservation, and destruction, embodying the ceaseless rhythm of the universe. Here, Ganesha is depicted in full motion, his ten arms spread wide, each holding a symbolic implement. These arms, outstretched and purposeful, convey his dominion over diverse aspects of existence. From the upper right, one hand grasps a vajra, the thunderbolt of Indra, signifying his power to destroy obstacles and negative forces. Another holds a discus, a symbol of cosmic order and protection. His other hands are adorned with a rope, a lotus flower, a goad, and a vessel of sweets, representing his role as a guide, a bestower of blessings, and the sustainer of all things. The vibrant red hue of the deity accentuates his fiery energy and divine passion.

A Divine Form Rooted in Mythology

The numerous arms of Ganesha are not merely decorative; they symbolize his unparalleled capacity to address every challenge and fulfill every desire. In Hindu mythology, Ganesha is revered as the god of wisdom, intellect, and auspicious beginnings. He is the Vighnaharta, the remover of obstacles, invoked before any undertaking to ensure its success. The Tandava dance, often associated with Lord Shiva, is performed by Ganesha here to demonstrate his mastery over the cosmic forces. This form reminds devotees that Ganesha is not only a benevolent deity but also a fierce protector who can vanquish evil and bring about positive transformation. His serene yet powerful expression, coupled with the intense movement, creates a captivating visual narrative of divine intervention and cosmic order.

A Masterpiece from the Himalayas

This exquisite statue is more than just an idol; it is a testament to the rich artistic heritage of Nepal. Each detail, from the intricately carved facial features to the delicate ornamentation, reflects the skill and devotion of the artisan. The vibrant colors, particularly the striking crimson of Ganesha and the deep blues and greens adorning his attire and the surrounding aureole, add depth and life to the piece. The flaming aureole behind Ganesha symbolizes his divine effulgence and the all-encompassing nature of his power. The statue rests upon a base adorned with traditional motifs, and at Ganesha's feet lies his vahana, the mouse, representing his ability to overcome even the smallest and most elusive obstacles. Bringing this sculpture into your home is to invite the blessings of wisdom, prosperity, and protection into your life, all while appreciating a piece of sacred Himalayan art.

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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