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MADE IN INDIA.

(Made in Nepal) Standing Garuda With Wings Strechted Out - Tibetan Buddhist

$1518
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
ZEM666
COPPER STATUE FROM NEPAL
Height: 14.5 inch
Width: 4.2 inch
Depth: 10.7 inch
Weight 5 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 Divine Protector: A Symbol of Strength and Vigilance

This magnificent copper statue from Nepal embodies the powerful and revered figure of Garuda, a mythical bird-like creature that holds significant importance in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Rendered with exquisite detail and artistic mastery, this representation showcases Garuda in a commanding posture, with wings stretched wide, ready to take flight or defend. The statue's intricate craftsmanship, particularly in the detailed feathering of the wings and the expressive, fierce visage, speaks to the skill of Nepalese artisans who have honed their craft over generations. The metallic sheen of the copper, enhanced by contrasting silver accents, imbues the piece with a luminous quality, making it a striking focal point for any space.

Mythological Significance and Cultural Resonance

Garuda, often depicted as the king of birds, is a celestial being renowned for his speed, strength, and unwavering loyalty. In Hindu mythology, he is the divine mount of Lord Vishnu, an emblem of divine power and the destroyer of evil. His epic battles with the Naga (serpent deities) symbolize the triumph of good over malevolence, wisdom over ignorance. In Tibetan Buddhism, Garuda is a protector deity, often associated with overcoming obstacles and dispelling negative influences. He is seen as a powerful force against the poisons of greed, hatred, and delusion. This statue, therefore, is not merely an artistic object but a conduit to these profound spiritual concepts, offering a visual reminder of protective energies and the pursuit of enlightenment. The fiery halo that surrounds Garuda in this depiction further accentuates his formidable nature and his role as a dispeller of darkness.

A Testament to Craftsmanship and Spiritual Devotion

Each element of this copper statue is a testament to the deep spiritual and artistic heritage of Nepal. The rich patina of the copper, combined with the polished silver accents, creates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, highlighting the sculpted musculature, the sharp beak, and the determined expression. The base upon which Garuda stands is also elaborately detailed, often depicting elements from his mythology, further enriching the narrative and visual appeal of the piece. Owning such a statue is an opportunity to bring a piece of this rich cultural legacy into your home, connecting with ancient stories and the enduring quest for spiritual fortitude. Its presence can serve as a constant reminder of the strength within and the protective forces that surround us.

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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