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Return within 7 days of
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Fully Insured
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100% Handmade
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MADE IN INDIA.

Kaliya Mardan Krishna (Conch)

$450
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
ET72
Silver and Copper and Gemstones
Height: 7.5 inch
Width: 4 inch
Depth: 3 inch
Weight 820 gm
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.

Conch Shell of Divine Victory

This exquisitely crafted piece depicts a pivotal moment from Hindu mythology – Krishna's triumph over the serpent Kaliya. More than a mere decorative object, this statue, approximately 7.5 inches tall, 4 inches wide, and 3 inches deep, resonates with the potent energy of courage, righteousness, and the ultimate victory of good over evil. This unique statue is masterfully constructed from copper and silver, and adorned with the rich vibrancy of gemstones, creating a breathtaking fusion of artistry and spiritual significance.

The Tale of Kaliya Mardan

The legend of Kaliya Mardan is one of the most beloved narratives surrounding Lord Krishna's childhood. Kaliya, a venomous serpent, had poisoned the waters of the Yamuna River, rendering it uninhabitable and threatening the lives of the villagers of Vrindavan. The young Krishna, witnessing their plight, fearlessly leaped into the river to confront the monstrous serpent. A fierce battle ensued, culminating in Krishna subduing Kaliya, dancing upon his many heads, and ultimately compelling him to leave the Yamuna, restoring the river's purity and saving the villagers from certain doom. This act of bravery and compassion solidified Krishna's status as a divine protector, a champion against injustice and a symbol of hope.

Symbolism and Significance

The conch shell itself, known as a *shankha* in Sanskrit, holds profound religious importance in Hinduism. It is considered sacred and is often used in rituals, ceremonies, and as a musical instrument in temples. The sound of the conch is believed to purify the environment, dispel negative energies, and invoke divine blessings. Its presence represents auspiciousness, prosperity, and the triumph of good over evil. In this particular piece, the conch becomes a canvas upon which the dramatic scene of Krishna's victory unfolds, amplifying its spiritual power and symbolic depth. The gemstone inlays are thought to enhance the potent energy of the conch and the depiction of Krishna.

Craftsmanship and Materials

This statue is a testament to the skill and artistry of its creator. The meticulous detail in the depiction of Krishna playing his flute atop the defeated Kaliya showcases the dedication to capturing the essence of the myth. The contrast between the copper and silver elements highlights the intricate details of the carving, while the strategically placed gemstones add depth and brilliance. The use of these precious materials further elevates the statue, transforming it into a valuable art piece and a potent symbol of faith. Owning this statue allows you to bring the protective and auspicious energy of Krishna into your home, serving as a constant reminder of courage, compassion, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. This exceptional piece is more than just a decorative item; it's a cultural treasure, a piece of art, and a powerful symbol of spiritual significance.

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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