Metal & Bronze Statues

Lost-Wax Cast Masterpieces — Patan's 2,000-Year Metalworking Tradition

The Newari metalworkers of Patan (Lalitpur) are among the world's finest bronze casters, continuing a tradition that stretches back over 2,000 years. Their lost-wax (cire perdue) casting technique produces extraordinary Buddha statues, Hindu deities, and decorative figures that are sought after by temples, collectors, galleries, and interior designers worldwide. Each statue begins as a hand-sculpted wax model, is encased in clay, and fired to melt the wax and create a mold — hence 'lost wax.' Molten bronze or brass is poured into the mold, and after cooling, the clay is broken away to reveal the metal figure. Fine detailing, chasing, and gold or copper gilding are applied by hand.

Wholesale MOQ 10 pieces for standard designs, 5 pieces for large or gilded statues
Lead Time 4-8 weeks for standard pieces, 8-16 weeks for large or custom commissions
500+ Artisan PartnersDirect from NepalFair Trade Certified

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How It's Made

Understanding the production process helps you appreciate the craftsmanship and communicate the product story to your customers.

A master sculptor creates the original model in beeswax, building fine details layer by layer. The wax model is coated in multiple layers of fine clay and allowed to dry completely — this can take 1-2 weeks. The clay mold is fired in a kiln, melting out the wax and hardening the mold. Molten bronze (heated to approximately 1,100 degrees C) is poured into the cavity. After cooling, the clay mold is carefully broken away — each mold is destroyed in this process, making every piece unique. The rough casting is then filed, chased (detailed with fine engraving tools), and polished. For gold-gilded statues, a mercury-gold amalgam is applied and heated to bond pure gold to the surface — a technique called fire gilding that produces an unmatched luster.

Materials Used

✓ Bronze (copper-tin alloy)
✓ Brass (copper-zinc alloy)
✓ Copper for repoussé work
✓ 24-karat gold for fire gilding
✓ Silver for inlay and detail work
✓ Semi-precious stones (turquoise, coral, lapis lazuli) for ornamentation

Varieties & Sizes

Buddha statues (Shakyamuni, Medicine Buddha, Amitabha)
Bodhisattva figures (Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri, Tara)
Hindu deity statues (Ganesh, Shiva Nataraja, Lakshmi, Krishna)
Decorative figures and ritual items
Miniature statues (2-6 inches)
Medium statues (8-18 inches)
Large format statues (24-48+ inches)
Gold-plated and silver-inlaid versions

Pricing

Transparent pricing for wholesale and retail buyers. All prices are FOB Kathmandu in US dollars.

Wholesale

MOQ: 10 pieces for standard designs, 5 pieces for large or gilded statues

$15-$2,000+ per piece depending on size, detail, and gilding

Retail / Sample

No minimum for sample orders

$40-$8,000+ per piece

Lead time: 4-8 weeks for standard pieces, 8-16 weeks for large or custom commissions. Prices vary based on specifications, quantity, and customization. Contact us for an exact quote.

Quality & Certifications

Patan Industrial Estate artisan cooperative certified
Antiquity clearance documentation for export
Certificate of craftsmanship with each piece

Metal & Bronze Statues — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between bronze and brass statues?
Bronze (copper-tin alloy) is harder, more durable, and develops a richer patina over time. It is the traditional material for high-quality Nepali statues. Brass (copper-zinc alloy) is softer, has a brighter yellow color, and is less expensive. Both are used in Nepali statue making, with bronze preferred for collectors and brass for decorative and commercial markets.
Are the gold-plated statues real gold?
Our fire-gilded statues use genuine 24-karat gold applied through the traditional mercury amalgam process, which creates a permanent gold coating that will not peel or wear off. This is different from modern gold electroplating, which is thinner and less durable. We also offer more affordable gold-painted versions using high-quality gold paint.
Can I export antique-style statues from Nepal?
All our statues are newly made by contemporary artisans — we do not deal in genuine antiques. New statues can be freely exported with standard commercial documentation. We provide certificates confirming the items are new handicraft products, not archaeological artifacts, which satisfies customs requirements in destination countries.
How are large statues shipped safely?
Large statues are custom crated in wooden boxes with foam padding and moisture barrier wrapping. We use experienced freight forwarders who specialize in art and handicraft shipments. Insurance is recommended for high-value pieces and can be arranged through our logistics partners.
Can I commission a custom statue design?
Yes, our master sculptors can create custom designs based on your reference images or specifications. Custom commissions require detailed discussion, a design approval stage, 50% advance payment, and 8-16 weeks for completion. Minimum order is 1 piece for custom work.

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