The local word 'li' is a versatile syllable. It designates the vast range of metals, of diverse origins, levels of refinement, and blends, that constitute a medium of sculpture in the region (Central Asia, Kashmir, Tibet, and Nepal). Done using either repousse (hammering and putting into shape) or lost-wax casting (pouring molten li into a clay cast to replace the wax within), most of the art that is produced in this part of the world draws from the
Hindu and
Buddhist faiths. This one is a fine example of the same. Sculpted from copper, an elite medium for the visual arts when compared to brass, it depicts
Shiva in the midst of His tandava.
There is so much about this unusual composition that conforms to the iconography of this much-venerated deity. His dense locks are gathered atop His head, upon which is the distinct roop of Devi Ganga and secured with a sliver of the moon. Myth has it that She descended onto the North Indian plains from the tresses of the lord, sweeping it with abundance and fertility. The hem of the loincloth grazes His knee, leaving the rest of the legs bare. On one hand is the characteristic trishool, the all-important damroo in the other. Beneath His dancing feet is the skin of a tiger brought to its knees by the lord. Note the snakes that are coiled around His ankles and neck, the stripes of vibhooti that grace His brow, and the superbly pronounced composure of countenance, putting together a picture of overpowering ferocity.
The Cosmic Dance of Shiva: A Symbol of Power and Creation
This exquisite copper statue depicts Lord Shiva in his powerful Tandava dance, a cosmic performance of destruction and creation. The dynamic pose, with one foot raised and the other planted firmly on the vanquished tiger, embodies Shiva's supreme control over the universe. The tiger, a symbol of lust, ego, and earthly desires, lies prostrate, signifying Shiva's triumph over these primal forces. This sculpture, handcrafted in Nepal, is a testament to the rich artistic heritage of the region and the profound spiritual symbolism embedded in its creation.
The divine figure of Shiva is adorned with traditional iconography. His matted locks are piled high, crowned with a crescent moon and a celestial being, hinting at his cosmic dominion. A serpent, a common attribute of Shiva, coils around his neck, representing his control over fear and poison. His serene yet fierce expression conveys his dual nature as the destroyer and preserver. In one hand, he holds a damaru, a double-headed drum, whose rhythmic beat is said to have initiated the universe. In the other, he wields a trident (trishul), the instrument of destruction and a symbol of his divine power. The intricate detailing of his ornaments, from the beaded necklaces to the anklets, showcases the artisan's skill and devotion. The patina of age adds a layer of authenticity and depth, hinting at the many centuries of reverence this form of Shiva has inspired.Mythological Resonance and Cultural Significance
The Tandava dance of Shiva is a central theme in Hindu mythology, representing the cyclical nature of existence – creation, preservation, and destruction. It is believed that Shiva performs this dance to liberate souls from the cycle of rebirth and to restore cosmic order. The imagery of Shiva dancing on a tiger is particularly potent. The tiger is often associated with arrogance and unchecked power. By subduing the tiger, Shiva demonstrates his mastery over the unruly aspects of existence, reminding devotees that true strength lies in inner control and detachment from worldly desires. This act also symbolizes Shiva's role as the lord of the wild and the guardian of the cosmic equilibrium. The reverence for Shiva is deeply ingrained in Nepalese culture, and artisans have for generations translated their devotion into such powerful artistic expressions. Each sculpture becomes not just an object of beauty, but a conduit to the divine, a focal point for meditation and spiritual contemplation. This statue, originating from Nepal, carries with it the blessings and ancient traditions of a land where spirituality and art are inextricably woven together. It is a piece that resonates with the power of the divine and the enduring spirit of artistic craftsmanship.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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