handicraft bronze idols
handicraft bronze idols
handicraft bronze idols
handicraft bronze idols
Feature Two
Swamimalai Bronze And Panchaloha Idols Manufacturer
The remarkable Stahapathi community in Swamimalai, located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, India, is a true treasure trove of art and cultural significance. They are widely regarded as some of the most skilled bronze craftsmen in the world, utilizing the ancient lost wax technique to create stunning statues, each with its own religious and cultural significance. This craft is deeply rooted in the history of the Chola dynasty, which flourished in the region centuries ago, and the artistic legacy they left behind continues to thrive today.
Swamimalai has drawn artisans for many years, who are dedicated to creating temples and art that are both admired and revered. The community, consisting of over three hundred families, represents a remarkable tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. Even in this age of modern technology, they continue to use a blend of ancient tools and advanced techniques that have been adapted to create exquisite pieces.
The bronze statue creation process is incredibly intricate and requires a great deal of skill. It involves the use of wax molds, followed by a process of casting and polishing to produce a final piece that is truly exceptional in terms of quality and beauty. It’s no wonder these Swamimalai bronzes have been awarded a coveted Geographical Indicator (GI) tag, which serves as assurance to customers that they are purchasing a genuine piece of artwork of the highest quality.
Overall, the Swamimalai Stahapathi community is a testament to the dedication and passion of skilled artisans who have kept alive an ancient tradition. For more information on their craft, don’t hesitate to reach out and connect with them directly.
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Swamimalai Bronze And Panchaloha Idols Manufacturer
The sthapathi, or the community of artisans in Swamimalai Tamil Nadu,
Located in Swamimalai, Tamil Nadu, the sthapathi is a respected community of skilled artisans. Their expertise lies in crafting intricate and beautiful works of art. The sthapathi community is devoted to preserving and promoting traditional Indian art forms. With a focus on precision and attention to detail, these artisans are highly regarded for their ability to create masterpieces that are both beautiful and functional. The sthapathi’s works of art can be found in many important cultural institutions, including temples and museums. The sthapathi community is committed to passing on their knowledge and expertise to future generations, ensuring that traditional Indian art forms will be cherished for many years to come. Their dedication and commitment to their craft is truly inspiring.
Can We Keep Panchaloha Idols At Home
Swamimalai is a town in India that upholds the ancient technique of lost Chola bronze casting. The town is home to many skilled artisans who meticulously create exquisite statues using this traditional method. The dedication and talent of these skilled craftsmen serve as a testament to the enduring tradition and excellence of Indian art. Their passion for their craft is reflected in the exceptional quality of the statues produced in Swamimalai. Through their work, these artisans have kept alive an important part of India’s cultural heritage. Swamimalai serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for those who value and cherish the beauty of ancient art forms. The town’s commitment to preserving this technique is a testimony to Indian craftsmanship and its depth of cultural identity.
Swamimalai Bronze And Panchaloha Idols Manufacturer
Swamimalai, located 35km from Thanjavur in India, is a small but significant town that has a rich and ancient tradition of Chola lost wax casting. The technique, which dates back to over 1,000 years ago, was supported by the Chola kings in southern India and is still practiced exclusively in Swamimalai. The town is famous for its Chola bronzes beautifully crafted by highly skilled artisans using the traditional method of Chola lost wax casting. The process is entirely eco-friendly, with no utilization of machinery, electricity, or harmful chemicals, making it a sustainable and environmentally safe practice. The creation of these exquisite panchaloha idols is a meticulous process that involves molding intricate designs using beeswax and clay. The finished product adheres to the standards of the ancient treatise Shilpa Shastra, which defines particular standards for sculpture and Hindu iconography. The final work of art is a unique and stunning piece that is chiselled, filed, and polished to perfection, reflecting the exceptional attention to detail.
Artisans of Swamimalai Divine Handicrafts in Swamimalai
The Swamimalai bronze icons are made by a community of artisans known as the ‘Sthapathis.’ Hindu worship has been inextricably linked with these bronze icons since time immemorial. These icons are not just symbols of worship, they are a reflection of the artistry and craft that is embedded in the Indian culture; they are emblems of the spirit of gods and goddesses; they are witness to the proposition that traditional handicraft can stand strong in the face of modernization. The magic in the fingers of the Sthapathis and their adherence to the Indian scriptures while crafting have earned these bronze icons worldwide acclaim. Moreover, the knowledge of making these bronze icons has been passed down from one generation to the next, corroborating the idea that art transcends all boundaries of life and death.
Though bronze icon making is an age-old Indian tradition, it was only during the Chola dynasty that this craft rose to the significance and occupied a central position in Indian culture and Hindu worship. After the Bhakti movement, a large number of temples were constructed all over South India. Subsequently, the expansion of the Chola dynasty led to the emergence of more temples in South India and the sponsorship of all art forms that were embedded in religious doctrines. Therefore, the synergy resulting from the temple creations, the power of the Chola dynasty, and their appreciation for Indian handicrafts fueled the success of the Swamimalai bronze icons that were based on the religious text of Shilpa Shastra Manasara.
Swamimalai Bronze And Panchaloha Idols Manufacturer
Operation
The creation and purpose of the bronze icons of Swamimalai are deeply rooted in tradition and have stood the test of time. These icons come in various forms and depict a wide range of subjects such as deities, saints, men, women, and animals. They hold immense significance in religious and cultural practices and are commonly used for worship in temples and homes.
Interestingly, the use of 5 metals or ‘panchaloha’ in the making of these icons imbues them with medicinal properties. This is due to their ability to store and emit positive cosmic effects after mantra chanting, making them akin to living gods. In addition to their use in worship, these bronze icons are also highly regarded as works of art and can be used to decorate homes.
Furthermore, the color and finish of these icons are tailored to their intended use. Depending on the desired aesthetic, they can be given a gold polish finish, brown antique finish, or green antique finish. The creation and use of these bronze icons have become an important aspect of religious and cultural practices and continue to be an expressive means of artistic representation across many communities.
Theme
The Swamimalai bronze icons have been regarded as one of the most significant works of art in Indian culture with a heritage dating back over 1100 years during the Chola Dynasty. These magnificent icons depict not only religious elements but also portray vital spiritual values, legends, and myths through their intricate designs and impeccable craftsmanship. The craftsmen who designed these icons used the “lost wax” technique while adhering to the Shilpa Shastra Manasara rules, showcasing their ingenuity and skill. The Swamimalai bronze icons have gained worldwide acclaim, as proven by the 2008 award of the Geographical Indication Tag. This has not only increased their economic value but also made them more marketable in numerous parts of the world. The demand for these icons has increased, making them highly valued among Tamil individuals living around the world, as more people establish temples internationally. Ultimately, the Swamimalai bronze icons represent a tribute to the rich Indian culture and symbolize historic, cultural, spiritual, artistic, and economic significance worldwide, making them a must-see for anyone interested in Indian art and culture.
Legends:
Coming from a community that has been in existence for at least 1000 years, several myths and legends have surrounded the Sthapathis and their work.
The most prominent myth about the Sthapathis pertains to their origin and the Vishwakarma community they belong to. According to popular belief, Vishwakarma was a deity who had five faces, three eyes, and ten arms; he was born out of the third eye of Lord Shiva and is considered the patron god of all artisans. Vishwakarma’s five sons were instrumental in becoming the clan deities of specialized crafts.
Another myth surrounding the Sthapathis relates to their working process. In earlier times, after constructing the wax model, the Sthapathi would take it out in a procession through the main street of their town or village. Only if the local people appreciated the work would the icon be cast in bronze. The Sthapathis did not permit anyone to observe them while they made the deities, fearing that it would bring them bad luck. If the Sthapathis created a good bronze icon, the king would reward them with swathes of land and money.
Panchaloha Idols swamimalai history
The Chola dynasty was the dominant cultural, artistic, religious, and political force in South India for 400 years, that is, from the 9th-13th Century. Enlightened patrons of the arts, Chola kings commissioned elegant sculptures and dedicated majestic temples to Hindu deities to proclaim the power and wealth of their dynasty. During this golden age, art music, dance, poetry, drama, architecture, and sculpture flourished.
Rajaraja Chola was one of the most prominent kings of this dynasty. During his reign, Rajaraja constructed the temple of Thanjavur which was the epitome of splendid architecture, paintings, and craft. For building this temple, he called upon carpenters, masons, sculptors, and other artists from all around. It was during the construction of these temples that the Sthapathis established themselves as being beyond the rank of ordinary craftsmen. Their familiarity with the Shilpa Shastras, the complex nature of metal icon production, and other religious traditions related to their craft led Rajaraja to acknowledge their skill and utilize their services for constructing another temple- the Darasuram temple of Swamimalai.
The term ‘Sthapathi’ implies a master carpenter or builder. These Sthapathis came under the Vishwakarma community who were known as the designers and artisans of classical Indian traditional sculpture. This community has also been mentioned in the texts of the Vedas and Puranas. The descent of the Sthapathis can be traced back to an ancestor named Agora Veerapathira Sthapathi.
After completing the Dasasuram temple construction, the Sthapathis decided to settle in Swamimalai due to the abundance of rich alluvial soil. This series of events led to the rise of the Sthapathis and their craft of bronze icon making in Swamimalai Bronze And Panchaloha Idols Manufacturer
The height of the icon ranges from 6 feet to 12 feet, however, the size can vary according to the requests made by the customer. Some of the idols are that of- Ganesha, Subramanya, Rama. Krishna, Vishnu, Lakshmi, Parvathi, Saraswathi, Hanuman, and so on. The most popular icon is that of Shiva or Natraja.
All deities are either shown with their vahanam or their typical accessories such as a conch, rosary beads, and in some cases, even musical instruments. Many times, the design or figure of the deity is a depiction of a particular event that took place in their life. For example, while Krishna is generally sculpted standing in the tribhangi pose with a flute to his lips, he is also created in the Kaaliya Mardana pose, dancing over the coils of the poisonous serpent Kaaliya or expounding the Geetha to Arjuna.
These icons may either be stand-alone pieces or they could be made in pairs. The most popular pairs are that of Shiva and Parvati, or Vishnu and Lakshmi. Sometimes, these icons could also be made in the form of a group, such as that of Ram, Laxman, Sita, and Hanuman. Apart from the icons of worship, many icons of men, women, and animals are made as pieces of decoration. These icons are shown holding lamps, flowers, or vessels.
All icons are placed on a pedestal to give them stability and every single measurement is done according to the Shilpa Shastra. The basic unit of measurement is ‘tala,’ which is defined as the distance between the end of the lower jaw and the hairline. The tala is divided into 12 equal parts called, ‘angula’ which is further divided into 8 ‘yava’ and so on, until the smallest unit, ‘paramanu.’ These measurements are noted with the help of a narrow ribbon of a coconut tree leaf cut to the length required by the icon and folded at different lengths in proportion to the length of the various icon parts. This creased palm ribbon is stored in water until the icon is completed.
In terms of the aesthetics of the icon, poetry verses can be found instructing and guiding the Sthapathis-
The transfer of knowledge related to the making of Swamimalai bronze icons has been a time-honored practice that has been passed down from one generation to another. After attaining independence, the tradition experienced a significant shift as non-heredity (non-Sthapathi) males were permitted to learn the craft of bronze icon making through state-sponsored institutions. Presently, the creation of icons integrating the efforts of both Sthapathi and non-Sthapathi males suggests that this profession is no longer limited to a specific caste. Various entrepreneurs have also entered this market to generate revenue. Thomas E. Levy’s ‘Masters of Fire- Hereditary Bronze Casters of South India’ published in 2007 presents a classification of six types of icon production that are observed in Swamimalai.
Swamimalai bronze icons are a beautiful and intricate art form, involving various workshops that are categorized into six types based on the ownership and size. The larger workshops, known as Hereditary Family Owned Manufactory, are a part of a long tradition passed down from one generation to the next, and they employ up to 10 highly skilled craftsmen. On the other hand, the smaller Hereditary Family Workshops are located in the homes of the Sthapathi and employ less than 10 craftsmen. Another noteworthy category is the Individual Hereditary Skilled Craftsmen, who are part of the Sthapathi clan but choose not to establish their own workshop. Additionally, there are Entrepreneur Owned Manufactory, Family/Entrepreneur Workshop, and Individual Skilled Craftsmen categories.
To fully grasp the significance behind Swamimalai bronze icons, one must understand the spiritual message conveyed by the iconography and symbolism. This requires an in-depth study of iconology, which is defined as the study of the symbolism behind sacred images. Icons are classified based on the reasons for their worship, and the language of the hands or mudra plays a significant role in conveying the emotions of the icon deities. Ultimately, the creation of these magnificent bronze icons involves a great deal of skill, dedication, and spiritual significance.
Swamimalai bronze icons are one of the most fascinating traditional handicrafts with an incredible legacy that has continued to capture the imagination of the world. Despite its rich history, however, creating these icons involves a series of challenges that are unique to this handicraft. One of these challenges is the exportation process, which requires documentation from the Department of Archaeology, a process that can take several months. This delay not only deters potential customers but also hinders business for the Sthapathis – making it difficult for them to generate much-needed income. Another hurdle is the presence of middlemen who buy the products directly from the Sthapathis and sell them at inflated prices, resulting in negative impacts for the artisans and customers alike. Furthermore, the industry faces threats from fake imitations and duplicates, which undermine the quality and design of the Swamimalai bronze icons. Nonetheless, the incredible legacy of these magnificent handicrafts ensures their continued significance and promising future in Indian culture and tradition.
The Sthapathi community is renowned for their unmatched skill in crafting exquisite bronze icons, which has garnered a significant amount of accolades and recognition. Their remarkable talent has propelled them to achieve both intrinsic and extrinsic benefits, which has become a source of immense pride for many Sthapathis. During an interview with a skilled Sthapathi, he expressed a deep appreciation for his heritage and the numerous awards that his peers have received at the national and state level, which have added further prestige to this esteemed art form. It is worth noting that their exceptional craftsmanship has attracted the attention of various high-profile individuals, including celebrities, ministers, and generous philanthropists who seek to commission their breathtaking works of art. With the generous support of The Tamil Nadu State Corporation and various other private organizations and government institutions, the Sthapathi community is thriving, and they are poised for continued success in the future.
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