Our History
It is no surprise as to where Rupa Maker gets its inspiration from. It’s all around us. Coming from one of the most artistic cities in the world; we only had to look around our hometown ‘Patan’ to draw inspiration.
A centuries old city; Patan is renowned for the art it represents and the craftsmen it has groomed. Many Buddhists artists from around the world have showered opportunities to craftsmen here, trusting in their skills. The artistic culture of Patan is evident in the temples, in the chowk, in the old gallies and in homes.
Rabi Shakya and Rajesh Shakya; the founders of Rupa Maker were driven by the art they saw in the nooks and crannies of Patan. Both brothers were involved in statue making from a budding age to support their families. The passion was strong early on. And it gave roots to Rupa Maker.
Rabi Raj Shakya with H.H Kyabje Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche.
Rabi Raj Shakya and Rajesh Shakya with H.H Kyabje Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche.
What truly gave Rupa Maker the form of what was a mere idea is H H Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche. During a visit, he came across the brothers’ work. H H Dungse Thinley Norbu Rhinpoche gave the brothers the belief and the push they needed. The brothers were trusted with making special statues for him which boosted their skills and their confidence to go ahead with their own business. Rupa Maker was established in 1991 and that opened the door to connect with many more practitioners.
With the establishment of Rupa Maker in a city that we can only suppose is an ocean of art and artists; we had to prove ourselves. Younger brother Saroj Shakya committed to find practitioners and have Rupa Maker stand out whilst the founding brothers made sure that we have the best statues to offer.
Rabi Raj Shakya and Rajesh Shakya with Lama Tsedrup Tharchin Rinpoche.
For three decades now, Rupa Maker has embraced every practitioner that have visited us and portrayed their beliefs. Inspiration and passion for craft is what makes Rupa Maker what it is today. But more than that we are the stories of our practitioners and their trust in us. We have been more than delighted to serve practitioners from all around the world.
Saroj Shakya with Richard Gere.
About Our Statues
All our statues use copper metal and are finished either in gold-plating, silver-plating or copper oxidation.
Gold-plating
The gold plating statues are either Full gold plating (FGP) or Part-gold plating (PGP). FGP covers the entire statue with gold. PGP covers only certain areas of the statue with gold.
Silver-plating
Silver-plating also consists of Full and part silver (FSP and PSP). FSP covers the entire statue while PSP covers certain areas of the statue.
Copper-Oxidation
The copper-oxidation does not include any other metal plated to it. The statue is finished in a dark chocolate color.
Two-toned finish
The two toned finish includes a mixture of dark chocolate finish and a lighter brownish finish. This Finish usually has a dark finish on the clothes of the statue, whereas the visible skin area is given a lighter brownish finish. This finish usually comes in just copper oxidized (CCT), Partly-gold plated (PTA) and Partly-silver plated (PST).
Our Crafts
About our Statues
Our statue are made using centuries old traditional methods
Crafting the Statues
Through a century old process used and developed by countless artists that has helped the Dharma Practitioners, from the very first stage to the last, this process connects many families working in the statues.
Statue figures are created through the ‘lost wax process.’ Each artists and craftsmen is specialized in each of the stage. With time and patience, we are able to work through this process.
Creation of Masterpiece
The artist envisions the statue and creates a wax figure. This is created through sculpting using traditional tools. This first piece of statue that has been sculpted by hand is known as the Masterpiece Statue.
Thasa Kagu (Moulding)
Thasa kagu (Moulding) is the process of taking the shape of the masterpiece. Moulding is generally done through Rubber (rubber moulding) or wax.
Many wax figures of the masterpiece can now be replicated after this process.
Dhale Yaigu (Casting)
The wax figures are now coated with layers of sand mixed with cow dung. After heating the cast, the wax melts off through an opening created in the mould. Melted Metal (Copper) is then added to the mould which fills the vacant spaces left by the wax.
After the mould has been dried, it is then broken to get the metal figure. This entire process is called Dhale Yaigu (Casting).
Katan Kigu (Carving/Engraving)
When the metal figure comes out of the mould, it is still in its raw form. The statues are first cleaned and all sand present in the statue is taken out. After this, the carving craftsman begins to engrave using traditional tools.
Carving and engraving gives detailing to the raw metal statue. ‘Buttakigu’ is a part of the engraving, whereby the artist adds various designs in the robes of the statue.
Buffing
Buffing is the process of polishing the statues after it has been carved and engraved.
Gilding/Oxidizing
After Buffing, we are now able to plate the statue with gold or silver and oxidize them. We use Fire mercury gilding to coat the statues with either gold or silver.
Khwa Chwe-gu (Face Painting)
Face painting is the final stage of the statue making process. The face is painted using melted gold and the use of poster colours to paint the eye and the lips.
Fwo Thu-nui (Adding Turquoise Stones)
Now we add turquoise stones in the jewelleries of the statues. After this, the statue is ready to be blessed and put in the shrine of the practitioner.
Rupa Maker Crafts
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest updates. If you'd like to connect with us, please do not hesitate. We are happy to hear from you. You will also find Rupa Maker on Facebook, Instagram.
