Bronze Statues (Rupas)

All statues are handcrafted in Patan, Nepal.

The tradition and history of handcrafting Buddhist statues have been present in Patan for more than 10 centuries. In our quest to preserve and keep this tradition going, we make sure that all of the statues are crafted from Patan. All of the gold is hand guilded.

Hand gilded (Fire gilded / Mercury gilded) — Traditional Patan method

This is the traditional Newar artisan method used for high-quality Buddhist statues.

 

Process
  • Pure gold is mixed with mercury to form a paste (amalgam).
  • This paste is applied by hand to the statue. The statue is heated so mercury evaporates.
  • The gold fuses permanently to the copper/bronze.
  • The surface is then hand burnished and polished. This technique has been used for over 1000 years in Patan workshops.
Result
  • Warm, deep gold color Slightly uneven, alive surface
  • Gold bonded to metal (very durable)
  • Ages beautifully
  • Much more expensive Considered
  • sacred/traditional
  • The finish has “warmth and depth” compared to flat electroplated gold.