Published by: Mandira
Published date: 14 Jan 2022
The art of sculpture prevailing from the ancient time to date denotes the work to make small images and big statues out of clay, stone, metal and wood. Images and statues are made by carving, modeling, and molding. The artist who makes sculptures is known as a sculpture. Like paintings, our sculptures are also shaped by religion. They are indeed, the offshoots of our religion. Excavations carried out over these years in places like Janakpur and Lumbini are reported revealing more of ancient and medieval sculptures.
As mentioned in the previous lesson, Nepali sculpture is younger that the art of painting. It was introduced in Lichchhavi period and flourished fully in the Malla period. The image of Baman made of clay (terracotta) in ancient times was installed by Lichchhavi King Mandeva and it is the oldest dated image available today. Mandeva was a king of artistic taste and did a lot of foster art and architecture. Basically, clay and Metal was used in that sculpture. Broadly the Lichchhavi sculptures can be divided into three groups-first including the earliest sculptures available today-as earlier as 2nd century, second including the sculptures with recorded dates which are important and authentic source of knowledge about history and finally the third group includes those images those were giant and also non-Hindu artefacts like Vishwarup (Changu), Dhumbarah (Handigaun), images of Garud, Buddha, Lichchhavi sculpture was categorized by religious theme, proportional organization, little use of costume, neutrality and simplicity. Stone was much used and there was no effect of tantrism.
he image of Birupakshya is really simple and beautiful. The body is buried up to the waist. Curly hair, round face, and well-formed body are perfectly organized. It uses white stone different from commonly used blue one.
Vishnu in Budanilakantha is really the marvelous art of Nepali sculpture. It is one solid piece of stone which is about the 7th century, was carved into the likeness of Vishnu who lays on the bedding formed by shesh nags with his head to the east. His calm face and gentle smile are given the symbolic interpretation. Buddhist images of the ancient time include images of Buddha and Bodhisattva found throughout the country and Maya Devi temple in Lumbini in particular.
Development of Nepali sculpture reached its climax in the Malla period. In the addition to Clay, stone and metal used earlier, wood, cloth, papers were used. Metal was used most. If the Lichchhavi sculpture was simple, the medieval one began to be more complex in the form and meaning. Ugrachandi with 18 hands is an example. Influence of tantrism as in the images of dreadful Bhairab Kali etc was seen. Religious tolerance further developed. Images contained round faces and slanted eyes which could be attributed to Buddhism and Tibetan influence.
More costume and jewelry were used. Royal palaces areas in Kantipur, Patan and Bhaktapur were beautified by highly decorative images as well as carefully carved kings own statues. Following the arrival of Harisimha Dev, Simraungarh art had some influence upon the Nepali sculpture.
Development of sculpture has slowed down in the modern period. Construction of statues of Kings, Rana prime ministers and martyrs gave some continuity. Today very few professional artists make sculptures which mainly include souvenir items sold to the tourists. Using clay and straw, beautifully colored images of deities like Durga, Saraswati, and Kali etc is made in Terai. But the work is seasonal.