NEPALESE SCULPTURE

The art of making different objects by carving or shaping metal, stone, wood, clay, glass etc is called sculpture. Nepalese sculpture is also connected with religion. The tradition of making idols and images of gods and goddesses has been practiced since the ancient time in Nepal. The image of Birupakshya at Aryaghat is considered to be the oldest sculpture in Nepal, but no one knows the date of its creation and the name of its sculptor. The image of Baman and Tribikram erected during the rule of King Mandev is taken to be the oldest dated sculptures found in Nepal so far.

 The art of sculpture began in the Lichchhavi period and reached the apex during the Malla period. In fact, Malla period is the golden period for sculpture. The images inside Changunarayan Temple and around it, image of Palanchowk Bhagawati, image of Budhanilkantha and some images of stone taps are few examples of sculptures made during the Lichchhavi period. These sculptures are characterized by religious theme, neutrality, and little use of costume, simplicity and tantrism.