Naga Kanya

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Name: Naga Kanya
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: XO72
Price: 220.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$253

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	XO72
	Copper Sculpture Gilded with 24 Karat Gold
	Height: 5.5 inch
	Width: 4.8 inch
	Depth: 2.2 inch
	Weight 660 gm

Delivery and Return Policies

	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

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Fully Insured

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100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

Serpentine Grace

This captivating sculpture presents a figure of extraordinary beauty and power, meticulously crafted from copper and lavishly gilded with 24-karat gold. The figure's upper body displays human-like features, with serene facial expressions and an elaborate crown. The lower body transitions into the scaled form of a serpent, embodying the ancient and revered symbolism of the Naga. Intricate detailing on the scales and the serpent's coils showcase the artisan's masterful skill. The use of copper, a metal prized for its conductivity and malleability, allows for the capture of fine details, while the layer of 24-karat gold imbues the piece with a radiant glow, enhancing its spiritual presence and signifying its inherent value. The combination of materials elevates this sculpture beyond a mere decorative object, transforming it into an object of devotion and reverence.

Guardians of Wisdom and Transformation

In Hindu, Buddhist, and other Asian traditions, Nagas are powerful serpentine beings who hold a complex position in the cosmic order. They are often associated with water, fertility, and the protection of treasures, both material and spiritual. Nagas are believed to reside in the underworld, guarding precious jewels and esoteric knowledge. They are also seen as guardians of sacred sites, temples, and water sources, ensuring prosperity and well-being. The presence of multiple cobra hoods, in this case, forming a majestic halo around the figure's head, further emphasizes the Naga's divine status. This imagery is commonly associated with protection, strength, and spiritual awakening. It is said that the Naga's hood shields the devout from negative influences and bestows blessings of wisdom and good fortune. The inclusion of wings is unusual, perhaps reflecting a syncretic artistic tradition, potentially influenced by depictions of Garuda, the eagle-like mount of Vishnu, or simply symbolizing the ability to transcend earthly limitations. The wings could represent a celestial aspect, suggesting the figure's connection to higher realms.

An Auspicious Addition

This gilded sculpture serves as an exquisite centerpiece for any space, infusing it with a sense of tranquility, protection, and profound beauty. Whether placed on an altar, a meditation space, or a prominent display shelf, it radiates a positive energy that resonates with viewers. It is a tangible expression of reverence for the rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions of the East, making it a treasured possession for collectors and spiritual practitioners alike. Its modest size belies its immense impact, serving as a constant reminder of the transformative power of wisdom and the protective presence of the Naga.

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.