Skip to main content
This sculpture is a magnificent example of repoussé, a technique in which three-dimensional forms are hammered from a flat sheet of copper. Along with lost-wax casting, it is one of the two metalworking techniques for which Newari craftsman are famous.
Kaumari
OriginNepal
Date17th or 18th century
Dimensions15 1/4 × 10 1/2 × 4 in.
MediumGilt copper alloy with semiprecious stone inlays
Classification(s)
Credit LineRubin Museum of Art
Object numberC2006.44.1
Himalayan Art Resources Number65693
Project Himalayan Arthttps://projecthimalayanart.rubinmuseum.org/related/kaumari/
DescriptionThe Kathmandu Valley is famous for the custom of worshipping a chosen young girl as the goddess Kumari. Her devotees believe she is the same as the adult goddess Kaumari, who assisted Durga in her fight with a demon (see for instance C2005.16.11). Here the four-armed youthful goddess stands in a militant posture. She sprinkles alcohol from the cup she holds as an act of blessing. This sculpture is a magnificent example of repoussé, a technique in which three-dimensional forms are hammered from a flat sheet of copper. Along with lost-wax casting, it is one of the two metalworking techniques for which Newari craftsman are famous.
Not on view
19th century
19th century
14th century
Dated by inscription 1796
19th century
10th century
12th century
17th century
20th century
17th or 18th century
19th century
19th century
Related Object/Related Object
