NEPALESE STATUES

Buddhism in Nepal began spreading at the time of King Ashoka through Indian and Tibetan missionaries. The Kiratas were the first in Nepal who embraced Gautama Buddha's lessons, followed by the Licchavis and Newars.

Buddhist impacts are an intrinsic part of the way of life of Nepal to a degree that Buddhist and Hindu temples are shared spots of worship for devotees of the two beliefs, and there's no distinction between Hindus and Buddhists in Nepal.

During the rule of King Amshuverma, the Nepalese princess Bhrikuti assumed a huge role in spreading the essence of Buddhism in Tibet. Tibetan Buddhist design has been impacted by Nepalese artists and stone sculptors like Araniko for quite some time. The hallowed Buddhist texts in Mahayana Buddhism are essentially written in the Ranjana alphabet, the Newars' or Lantsa scripts, which are derived from Ranjana.

Buddha, Bodhisattvas, Gods, and Goddesses in Nepalese Statues

Nepalese statues display the religious and spiritual universe of the Nepal valley. Our collection of Nepalese art includes-

Bodhisattva - Enlightenment Being

Compassionate beings who delay enlightenment to aid others, Bodhisattvas are sculpted elegantly, crowned, jeweled, and in benevolent moods in Nepalese art. Avalokiteshwara (Chenrezig), Maitreya, and Vajrapani are some of the popular ones among the many Bodhisattvas worshipped.

Idols of Buddha

Statues of the Buddha in serene meditation, enlightenment, or teaching postures embody peace, detachment, and awakened wisdom in sacred form. Trikaya (three bodies of Buddha), and various episodes from Buddha’s life form a key part of Nepalese art.

Statues of the Goddess

Fierce and benevolent divine feminine- Tara, Prajnaparamita, Durga, each sculpture of the goddesses carries beauty, strength, and cosmic energy.

Gurus - Spiritual teacher of Buddhism

Spiritual teachers like Milarepa, Atisha, and Marpa are honored in detailed forms, conveying lineage, wisdom, and the journey toward realization.

Guru Padmasambhava/Rinpoche

The Lotus-Born Guru, Padmasambhava, brought Tantric Buddhism to Tibet, making him one of the most often depicted gurus (masters) in Nepalese and Tibetan art.

Tibetan Buddhist Prayer Wheels

Inscribed with mantras, these rotating wheels embody the Dharma in motion, spreading blessings and merit with every clockwise turn.

Khukuri - National weapon of Nepal

Symbol of Nepalese valor, the Khukuri is a traditional curved knife, sacred in rituals and celebrated in warrior heritage and sculpture.

Kubera - Guardian of Treasures

God of wealth and guardian of treasures, Kubera is sculpted seated, rotund and jeweled, representing prosperity, abundance, and divine guardianship.

Masterpieces

Each piece in this category reflects unparalleled craftsmanship, showcasing detailing, use of pure material, and skills of the artists that have no comparison. A perfect collection for collectors and devotees looking for substance and spiritual purity.

Mudras

Sacred hand gestures, or mudras, signify divine intentions- compassion, fearlessness, teaching, and blessing, each sculpted with symbolic precision and graceful articulation.

Silver Statues and Ritual Objects

A rare silver sculpture category, reflecting the traditional royal art of the Newar region, used for making idols of Buddha, Bodhisattva, gods and goddesses, and ritual objects.

Vintage Sculptures

Time-honored sculptures carrying an antique charm, rich patina, and historical aura, each piece tells a story of Nepal’s sacred artistic legacy.

Hindu Deities Idols

Hindu deities like Shiva, Vishnu, and Ganesha are rendered with iconographic precision, expressing Vedic ideals in Nepalese artistry.

Buddhist Ritual Items

Sculptural items used in Buddhist and Hindu worship- vajras, bells, and offering bowls- are crafted for sacred use, ceremonial beauty, and symbolic meaning, with such care and devotion that they become collectibles themselves.

Techniques of Making Nepalese Statues

The traditional method used in Nepal is the lost-wax casting technique (cire-perdue), a process as old as human civilisation, passed down for centuries among the Newar artisans of the Kathmandu Valley.

● First, the artist creates a wax model of the deity, then covers it with layers of fine clay.

● Once the mold is fired and the wax melts away, molten metal, usually a copper alloy, is poured into the cavity.

● After cooling, the statue is polished, decorated with fine details, gilded with gold, and inlaid with semi-precious stones like turquoise, coral, and lapis lazuli.

Gilding: The Process Behind Priceless Nepalese Statues

One of the most sacred and costly techniques used in crafting these masterpieces is gilding- the process of covering the sculpture with a layer of pure gold.

What is Gilding?

Gilding is the final, transformative step in the creation of many Nepalese bronze and copper statues.

Gold is hammered into thin sheets, making gold leaf, which is applied to the surface of the statue.

Traditional adhesive pastes made from resins, lac, or mercury mix is used to stick the gold leaf to the metal surface.

There are two primary gilding methods used:

● Fire Gilding (Mercury Gilding): A mixture of gold and mercury is applied to the metal surface. When heated, the mercury evaporates (a hazardous and skill-intensive process), leaving behind a glowing, permanent layer of gold.

● Gold Leaf Application: Thin gold sheets are gently pressed onto an adhesive-coated surface, then burnished with agate or jade tools to give a soft, divine glow.

This process can take weeks, sometimes months, depending on the statue’s size and complexity.

Why Are Nepalese Statues So Expensive?

● Use of Pure Gold: The statues are gilded with real gold, often requiring grams to several ounces of the precious metal.

● Skilled Artisanship: Only master craftsmen, trained through generations, possess the knowledge to apply gold without damaging the sculpture or dulling its shine.

● Sacred Symbolism: Gilding is not just for beauty; it is an offering. In Buddhist and Hindu traditions. Patrons and devotees believe the amount of gold on a statue is equivalent to the merit (punya) they receive.

● Time-Intensive Labor: Each detail- from facial features to ornament- is individually covered and polished by hand, reflecting days of devotional work.

Materials Used in Traditional Nepalese Statues

Here is a list of traditionally used materials in Nepalese sculptures-

● Copper – The primary material, valued for its spiritual value and strength.

● Gold Gilding – Applied using mercury amalgamation or gold leaf, it symbolizes purity and divinity.

● Silver – Occasionally used for highlighting ornaments or specific iconographic features.

● Gemstones – Turquoise, coral, lapis lazuli, and rubies are inlaid to enhance visual and symbolic richness and as an offering to the deity or Buddha/Bodhisattva.

● Crystal – Transparent crystal is often used in tantric ritual objects or representations of Tantric gods and goddesses.

How to Clean Nepalese Statues

To preserve the sacred aura and aesthetic brilliance of your Nepalese statue:

● Dust Regularly: Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth or a clean artist’s brush.

● Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Never use metal polish or abrasive cleaners on gilded or inlaid statues.

● For Antique or Gemstone Statues: Consult a conservator or simply dust regularly to avoid damage.

How to Place and Display Nepalese Statues in Your Home

If you are planning to buy a Nepalese statue or want ideas on how to display one in your space, here are some tips that will help you-

● Sacred Space: Place in a clean, elevated area like a home altar, meditation room, or a peaceful corner.

● Facing Direction: Traditionally, Buddha statues face east, symbolizing the rising sun and enlightenment.

● Avoid the Floor: Statues should not be placed directly on the ground.

● Light and Incense: Enhance with soft lighting, candles, or incense to create an atmosphere ideal for meditation and peaceful introspection.

● Minimal Surroundings: Keep the space clutter-free to welcome positivity and respect the divinity of the statue.

FAQs

Q1. Who is the Supreme God in Buddhism in Nepal?

Devotees of Buddhism don't adhere to a preeminent divinity or Supreme God. They would rather concentrate on accomplishing enlightenment— a condition of internal harmony and insight.

Q2. Who are Bodhisattvas?

Bodhisattvas are edified heavenly beings who have put off entering heaven to help other people achieve enlightenment.

Q3. Which is the biggest sculpture in Nepal?

Kailashnath Mahadev Statue, 144 feet tall murti of Shiva Mahadeva as the Lord of Kailasha (Kailashanath), is the biggest sculpture in Nepal, located in the Kaverpalanchok district of the valley. It is an astounding example of the might of Nepalese iconography, made from an amalgamation of materials such as zinc, concrete, copper, and steel.

Kailashnath Mahadeva Statue is the world’s tallest Shiva statue, depicting the Lord in his divine roopa, wrapped in Baghamabara (tiger hide cloth), the crescent moon in his Jata (matted hair), a serpent in his neck, holding his Trishula (trident) and his hand raised in the gesture of fearlessness (Abhaya Mudra).

Q4. What should be done to promote Nepalese sculpture?

Nepalese Hindu and Buddhist sculptures are some of the finest specimens of the art of the East. Art exhibitions, museums, and workshops are vital in promoting Nepalese art. Effectively showcasing this glorious art form in this global market requires reaching the maximum number of people and introducing them to Nepalese sculpture’s aesthetic value, using modern media.

E-commerce websites, such as Exotic India Art, play a crucial role in bringing the gems of Nepalese art to the homes of art enthusiasts and buyers, successfully promoting Nepalese sculptures.

Q5. What is unique about Nepali Bodhisattva figures?

The statues of Nepal are famous for their unique artistry and are considered exquisitely beautiful. Nepali statues or sculptures are especially known for their small bronze Bodhisattva figures, which have distinctive features throughout the world.

These figures have elongated and languid eyes, wide facial features, exaggerated physical postures, and sensuous, youthful bodies. The Bodhisattva figures have serene expressions on their round face and are mostly clad only in either a triangular dhoti or a Sangheti.

The long arms make elegant symbolic gestures (mudras). Most statues are gilded with heavy gold, which makes them retain their brilliant luster for years. They are also inlaid with semi-precious stones over the crown or with minimal jewelry.

Q6. What is the history of Nepalese sculptures?

The traditional Nepali sculptures are renowned for exhibiting a high level of skill and exquisite beauty. The art and culture of Nepal have always been influenced by the religious belief of the people. The majority of sculptures drew their influence from the artistic style of Indian culture, especially of the Gupta and Pala Empires.

Nepal is a country that patronizes the traditional beliefs of both Buddhism and Hinduism. Thus, the ancient Nepali artisans and sculptors were masters at portraying the spiritual cultures of both these religions.

They created sculptures of deities, including Saraswati, Shiva, Ganesha, Vishnu, Krishna, Gautama Buddha, Avalokiteshvara, etc., and passed down their unmatched artistic skills to the next generations, and in this way, Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and temples became their primary customers.

Q7. What are the factors influencing Nepali sculpture?

The Nepalese sculptures have a specialty in small religious bronze figures with distinctive features. This art dates back to ancient times and has a great history and culture. Nepalese sculptural tradition has been highly influenced by social conditions, religion, and political views.

Environmental factors and events such as natural disasters, have also influenced the export of sculptures to other countries. Due to the unusual climatic conditions in Nepal, the chances of surviving wooden and metal sculptures are also insignificant.

Q8. What are the main features of Nepali traditional sculptures?

The traditional Nepalese sculptures are especially known for their religious figures, such as the Bodhisattva of Buddhism and the Gods of Hinduism. These are made from high-quality bronze. These figures have languid eyes, wide facial features, exaggerated physical postures, and sensuous, youthful bodies.

The Bodhisattva figures have serene expressions on their round face and are mostly clad only in Sangheti. The long arms make elegant symbolic gestures (mudras). Most statues are gilded with heavy gold that retains its brilliant shine for many years.

They are also inlaid with semi-precious stones over the crown. Preserve the rare tradition of Nepalese statues and art. Explore our collection of artworks selected from the workshops of Kathmandu, and bring home a part of the legacy.