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Gilt Copper Mask of Ganesha (Ganapati)
Newar · 20th century
Details
| Country | NepalMore about CountryKathmandu Valley, Nepal, the historical home of this metalwork. |
|---|---|
| Tribe / Culture | NewarMore about Tribe / CultureMade by the Newar metalworkers of the Kathmandu Valley (Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur). They worked for Hindu and Buddhist patrons and supplied Tibet for centuries. The repoussé copper, gilding, filigree and coral and turquoise settings are typical of their work. |
| Age / Period | 20th centuryMore about Age / PeriodProbably 20th century, made in the classical Newar style. That style peaked under the Malla kings (13th–18th century), and later workshops followed it. |
Symbolism & Iconography
Ganesha removes obstacles and is honoured at the start of any undertaking. A third eye marks his brow. His trunk holds a modaka sweet, a sign of reward. Both tusks are shown whole, which is unusual. The five-part crown marks divine rank, and the band of turquoise skulls, taken from Tantric imagery, stands for mastery over death. Coral and turquoise are protective stones in the Himalayas.
Aesthetic & Formal Analysis
A strong frontal mask. The smooth gilt face contrasts with the dark filigree that runs down the trunk. The beaded borders, the granulated sweet and the layered crown show skilled metalwork, and the coral and turquoise stand out against the dark patina. Made to hang on a wall.
