With bold eyes,
flaring nostrils, a large mouth, and a plump body, Lord Kubera in this gilded
copper Nepalese statue appear to be the divine guardian one seeks to protect
one’s wealth and auspiciousness. Draped in fine brocaded attire whose details
are beautifully captured by the sculptor, the composition of Kubera in this
icon contains a repetition of conch as a motif, which is a symbol of his feminine
counterpart from the oceanic world, who according to Buddhist legends brought
with her the heavenly riches which Kubera bestows on his worshippers.
Guardian of Treasures and Wealth
This magnificent statue depicts Lord Kubera, the king of the Yakshas and the celestial treasurer, revered in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism as the god of wealth and prosperity. In Hindu mythology, Kubera is often described as a benevolent deity who presides over the mythical kingdom of Alaka in the Himalayas. He is said to have obtained his wealth through asceticism and penance, earning him the respect and favor of the gods. Stories tell of his powerful gemstone-studded palace and his duty to protect the world's hidden treasures, making him a figure of immense power and abundance. This statue captures the essence of his divine stature, presenting him in a posture of regal authority and serene contemplation.
The craftsmanship of this Nepalese statue is truly exceptional, reflecting the rich artistic heritage of the region. Cast in copper and then meticulously gilded with pure gold, the statue radiates a luminous glow, symbolizing the wealth and spiritual enlightenment that Lord Kubera bestows. The intricate details are brought to life through the skillful application of gold plating, highlighting the divine adornments and the serene yet powerful expression on Kubera's face. His benevolent gaze, framed by a majestic crown and elaborate jewelry, invites contemplation and inspires a sense of peace and optimism.
––––––––––Symbolism and Auspiciousness
Lord Kubera is a pivotal figure in spiritual traditions across Asia, invoked by devotees seeking financial stability, success in endeavors, and the removal of poverty. He is often associated with the mantra "Om Yakshaya Kuberaya Vaisravana-aya Dhanadhya-kshaya Namaha," which is chanted to invoke his blessings. The iconography of Kubera typically includes a pot-bellied physique, representing abundance and the capacity to hold immense wealth. He is frequently depicted holding a mongoose, which is said to disgorge jewels, a potent symbol of unending riches. This statue, with its opulent golden finish and commanding presence, serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for prosperity and the blessings of divine patronage. It is an ideal piece for those who wish to invite wealth, abundance, and good fortune into their homes or places of business, acting as a constant source of inspiration and a focal point for auspicious energy.
The artistic rendition in this statue, with its flowing lines and exquisite detailing, is characteristic of traditional Nepalese metalwork. The use of vibrant, inlaid precious stones further accentuates the deity's divine nature and the richness of his dominion. Such statues are not merely decorative objects but are considered sacred artifacts, imbued with spiritual significance and intended to foster a connection with the divine. Placing this statue in a prominent position can create an atmosphere of reverence and attract positive energies, symbolizing a commitment to spiritual growth and material well-being. It is a testament to the enduring belief in the power of devotion and the divine grace of the god of wealth.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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