The creation of wooden statues by the Newars is a complex and ancient craft, deeply embedded in the artistic heritage of the Kathmandu Valley. Buddhist and Hindu pagoda temples are adorned with magnificent wooden reliefs depicting deities, which rank among the treasures of Himalayan art. For centuries and until now, the traditional process of woodcarving has been as follows…
Wood selection : The choice of wood is crucial. Newar artisans typically prefer durable and sturdy types of wood, such as magnolia champaca, sandalwood, cedar, pine, or oak, which allow for intricate and lasting carvings. The wood is carefully selected to be free from defects and knots, ensuring a smooth and even texture in the finished statue. Most statues from Himalayart are crafted from magnolia champaca, a highly durable wood known for its longevity, resistance to termites, and high-quality finish.
Design and sketching : The process begins with a detailed drawing of the statue. The artisan, often consulting with priests, lamas, or monks, creates a preliminary sketch, adhering to specific proportions and religious iconography. Statues of Buddha, for example, follow precise guidelines for the contours of the face, hands, and feet, which vary according to Buddhist traditions, such as the Mahayana school practiced in Nepal.
Shaping the base form : After finalizing the sketch, the artisan shapes the basic structure of the statue from the wood. This step involves outlining the general contours using carving tools like chisels and scrapers to remove surface layers and create a rough structure. The body, head, hands, and feet are defined at this stage, leaving finer details for later.
Detailed carving : Once the base form is established, the artisan focuses on the intricate details of the statue. This step demands exceptional skill and patience, as it requires extreme precision to bring out the finer features of the face, clothing, ornaments, and accessories.
- Facial features : Faces of deities like Buddha or Tara must convey emotions such as serenity, wisdom, or compassion. Eyes, noses, and mouths are delicately sculpted with fine tools.
- Garments and ornaments : Deities are often depicted wearing gracefully draped clothing. Details such as crowns, jewelry, and belts are meticulously craft
- Gestures (mudras) : Hand gestures, or mudras, carry profound religious significance. Artisans carefully carve these gestures, as each mudra symbolizes a specific action or attitude, such as the Dhyana Mudra (meditation) or the Vitarka Mudra (teaching) in Buddhism.
Sanding and polishing : Once the details are sculpted, the statue is sanded to smooth the surfaces and remove any roughness. Polishing is essential to achieve a sleek and glossy finish, enhancing the intricacy of the carvings.
Consecration ritual : Once the statue is completed, it may be consecrated through a ritual performed by a Hindu priest or a Buddhist lama. This ritual involves prayers, blessings, and offerings, marking the transformation of the statue into a sacred object ready for worship in a temple or shrine.
Installation and veneration : Finally, the statue is installed in a temple, stupa, or monastery, where it becomes a focal point for spiritual practices and rituals.
Enriched by this millennia-old tradition, Himalayart statues are unique creations. A synthesis of art and spirituality, each sculpture is carved from a single piece of wood with remarkable precision and delicacy. Months of meticulous work, meditation, and refinement are required to transform precious wood into a work of art and devotion. Some sculptures, featuring complex details and large dimensions, take 6 to 9 months to complete, with an average of 10 hours of work per day, six days a week.
The sculptures selected by Himalayart are created by Nepal’s finest artists, all of whom have been recognized by the Academy of Fine Arts. Each of our pieces comes with a certificate of authenticity, guaranteeing the highest quality.
