The Lord Kharchari Statue from Nepal is a glazing statue that embodies
serenity and divine beauty. The Kharchari is draped in an exquisite ensemble
and wears a gold crown over his beautifully tied tresses. With fine etchings
embellishing the entire statue, Kharchari’s mesmeric visage calms the mind
swiftly. Seated on a lotus throne, Bodhisattva Vajrasattva is adorned with four
arms, two hands hold the Chintamani, or the wish-fulfilling jewel, while the
other two hands have the rosary and a lotus. Causing a spurt of calmness in
mind, this statue is supreme wisdom condensed in pure gold and copper.
A Vision of Compassion and Enlightenment
This exquisite copper idol, rendered in a luminous blend of copper and gold, embodies the serene grace and profound wisdom of a celestial being. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail in Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual tradition, this statue is more than an object of art; it is a tangible connection to the heart of Buddhist philosophy. The serene expression, with half-closed eyes and a gentle smile, radiates an aura of immeasurable peace and compassion, inviting contemplation and inner reflection.
The figure is adorned with a majestic crown, intricately detailed with symbolic motifs, signifying its exalted status. Delicate jewelry, including bracelets and necklaces, further enhances the divine appearance, each piece sculpted with the precision of a master artisan. The body posture, a graceful seated meditation, is typical of enlightened beings and conveys a sense of profound stillness and spiritual poise. This posture, known as the vajra posture, is considered the most stable and conducive to deep meditation. The right hand is raised, gently holding a string of prayer beads, symbolizing the constant remembrance and invocation of mantras, a practice central to spiritual discipline. The left hand holds a lotus flower, a potent symbol in Buddhism representing purity, enlightenment, and the unfolding of spiritual awareness. The lotus blooms from muddy waters, signifying the ability to rise above worldly defilements and achieve spiritual liberation.
Craftsmanship Rooted in Tradition
The artistic heritage of Nepal is vividly displayed in this masterpiece. The use of copper, a sacred metal in many cultures, signifies purity and longevity. The application of gold highlights the divine radiance and adds a celestial glow to the idol. Each curve and contour of the sculpture speaks of the artisan's deep understanding of iconographical principles and their dedication to their craft. The base of the idol is a richly decorated lotus plinth, a common feature in Buddhist imagery, symbolizing the divine seat upon which enlightened beings rest. The petals are rendered with an elegant, flowing design, further enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. This piece is a testament to the enduring legacy of Nepalese artistry, where devotion and skill converge to create objects of profound spiritual significance.
A Divine Presence in Your Space
This magnificent idol serves as a powerful focal point for any sacred space, meditation room, or as a statement piece in your home. Its presence can inspire tranquility, foster a sense of mindfulness, and serve as a constant reminder of the path to enlightenment. Whether you are a practitioner of Buddhism, an admirer of exquisite art, or seeking an object to imbue your surroundings with peace, this statue offers a profound connection to spiritual ideals. Its substantial presence and the rich symbolism it carries make it a truly remarkable and inspiring addition to your collection. The serene gaze and the benevolent posture are believed to emanate blessings and positive energy, creating a sanctuary of peace and spiritual upliftment.
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.
