feedshark

Monday, February 14, 2011

History of copper statues and arts in nepal

Actually History of metal statue art work in nepal doesn't have any concreat evidence when it was actually started. Histoy of metal statue art work in Nepal dates back to the 17th century AD. The ruler Amsuvarma ordered a metal crest for the Changu Narayan Temple in 607 AD proves Stella Kramrisch, author of "The Art of Nepal," right in her supposition that metal art work dates back to the seventh century AD in this region. Early works of the Licchavi era indicate that bronze was the commonly used alloy but later creations feature copper and valuable metals such as gold and silver. Other metal statue art of the time include a bronze Buddha Sakyamuni [sixth or seventh century, see photo] and in a journal, Chinese traveler Wang Hsuan tse admires the metal art in King Narendradeva's palace in Kathmandu and mentions that Narendradeva wore gold jewelry studded with pearls, rock crystal, and coral: on his belt were golden images of the Buddha.

Metal workers in nepal used copper and bronze as well as other metals for casting and gilding, jewelry, making coins, and setting crystals, coral, and gems. By the tenth century, metal art is believed to have surpassed stone in quantity and demand. Metal statue art work in the higher hills and mountains were influenced by several civilizations that developed in the plains of the Indian Subcontinent. It was the Pala dynasty (750 - 1150) that had a great influence in areas such as Kathmandu, Nepal, during the late Lichhavi period (fourth to the ninth century). Local influences, mythologies, religions, and social requirements created a great divergence in styles and content. An example can be the Uma Maheswor (Parvati Mother Goddess and Lord Shiva) theme that entered Kathmandu from the South. Local artisans re-created the image with Uma leaning against her husband and Maheswor with his arm around her shoulder or waist. Other work that portray such slight but important changes are a Boddhisattva Avalokitesvara, a standing Vishnu, and a Shiva.

No comments:

Post a Comment