13" Deepalakshmi in Mayura-Prabhavali In Brass | Handmade | Made In India

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The fire-arch, the most artistic frame for any image, rises from two diagonally opposite points on the principal lamp’s periphery. These two points have been identified with two hooks that on one hand provide grips for holding the statue, and on the other, afford a broadened base for structuring the fire-arch. Two mythicized lion-figures, stationed over these hooks, hold on their backs the lower ends of the fire-arch terminating on the top into two peacocks holding in their beaks the twigs-type cast dragon forms. On the top an auspicious Kirtimukha motif spans the gap between the two peacock figures. There release from the wide open mouth of the Kirtimukha two exceptionally beautiful gussets. This lamp, which houses Deepalakshmi statue, has been raised over a two-tiered base, each consisting of a circular plate, one installed over the other. Each plate has ten smaller lamps around its outer periphery. The base-plate has a wider rim, though the number and the size of the lamps attached to both is alike.

Though not one of her forms, except perhaps the auspicious aspect of her being, nor a part of an early mythical tradition, the figure of Deepalakshmi has been conceived with goddess Lakshmi-like divinity, the same divine lustre and supreme beauty. As suggests the figure’s sensuously modeled breasts full of milk, symbolic of her ability to feed, Deepalakshmi also manifests fertility and abundance as does the goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. Deepalakshmi synthesizes into its being with divine light the ‘auspicious’ and abundance. As the Deepalakshmi tradition is now in prevalence, it is a subordinate image, especially included with Deepavali rituals of which goddess Lakshmi is the presiding deity. A deity, a cultural icon or an aesthetic statue, Deepalakshmi harbours light, keeps it up, and accepts offerings in behalf of both, Lakshmi and light, and at least to such extent Deep-Lakshmi is a votive image.

As regards the figural quality of her image, it is outstanding in discovering details : sharp features, angular chin, rounded cheeks, cute lips, deep thoughtful eyes, blissful composure, an expressive face, elegantly combed hair with a prominently conceived coiffure, well defined neck, sensuously moulded unclad breasts except a ‘stana-pata’ – breast-band, covering them, subdued belly, broad shoulders and a proportionate tall figure adorned with elegant jewellery and gems. People look for richly adorned and beautifully conceived images of Deepalakshmi for while her richly adorned form assures greater prosperity a beautiful image assures greater auspices and blesses with progeny. Perhaps for such reasons, the artist of this statue has taken special care to beautify each part of the image as also her ornamentation and ensemble : her elegantly pleated and embellished ‘antariya’ – lower garment, and ‘stana-pata’. The auspicious character of the image has been enhanced by the peacock-pair, another auspicious icon, that comprise the ‘Prabha’ – aura, of the image.

This description by Prof. P.C. Jain and Dr. Daljeet. Prof. Jain specializes on the aesthetics of literature and is the author of numerous books on Indian art and culture. Dr. Daljeet is the curator of the Miniature Painting Gallery, National Museum, New Delhi. They have both collaborated together on a number of books.

How to keep a Brass statue well-maintained?

Brass statues are known and appreciated for their exquisite beauty and luster. The brilliant bright gold appearance of Brass makes it appropriate for casting aesthetic statues and sculptures. Brass is a metal alloy composed mainly of copper and zinc. This chemical composition makes brass a highly durable and corrosion-resistant material. Due to these properties, Brass statues and sculptures can be kept both indoors as well as outdoors. They also last for many decades without losing all their natural shine.

Brass statues can withstand even harsh weather conditions very well due to their corrosion-resistance properties. However, maintaining the luster and natural beauty of brass statues is essential if you want to prolong their life and appearance.

• The best and simplest way to maintain a brass statue is to clean it at least twice a week using a soft cloth or cotton rag. This will prevent dust from accumulating on the surface. Dusting is especially important for outdoor statues since it is prone to dust accumulation much more than indoors.

• Another way is to cleanse the statue with mild soap, warm water, and a cotton cloth. You must go to every inch of the statue and even to the crevices and cracks. After this, clean the article with a dry towel to wipe off pools of water left on the surface.

• To give a natural shine and luster to the statue, you may apply coconut or olive oil using cotton on every portion. You can use a toothbrush to get to the small crevices but do not be too harsh. This will make the brass statue appear fresh and new with a polished look.

• In case you have a colored brass statue, you may apply mustard oil using a soft brush or clean cloth on the brass portion while for the colored portion of the statue, you may use coconut oil with a cotton cloth.