The crafting of metal statues and sculptures is found to have been practiced in Nepal since the Lichchhavi period. Metal sculptures found in notable Nepalese Stupas and monasteries exemplify the boundlessness of Nepalese culture and civilization. We can observe several large metal sculptures while arriving in the 21st century. One of the sculptors keeping this glorious art, which carries the history and culture of Nepal, alive for thousands of years, is Santa Kumar Shakya.
Shakya, who was born in Lalitpur Metropolitan, Ward number 6, Okubahal, is a well-known expert in the field of metal-sculpture art. Born in the same birthplace as the world-renowned National Hero Araniko and other great artists, Shakya is well-known for crafting the sculpture of the thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara.
When playing in the alleys, he would place various types of clay sculptures at the four corners of a small square. Noticing that interest and artistic talent, Shakya’s father sent him to work at a sculpture workshop owned by Lakshmi Shakya, who was his relative uncle, when he was 14 years old. As his interest in sculpture grew, Shakya himself began organizing exhibitions in various parts of Kathmandu, charging five paisa for each person. He used to organize competitions among his friends as well. At the time, artists were viewed with more respect than those doing other types of work. He has said, “Just saying this fills me with pride. I didn’t learn from any school — I started by watching others and gradually improved through experience, and became skilled. Except for carving the intricate patterns, I do all the work myself. I have learned everything from applying gold to soldering.”
Shakya began his education at a basic school located to the right of the main gate of the Mahabouddha temple. Although Shakya was good at his studies, he was only able to complete till 10th grade due to health issues.
Currently, he owns a sculpture shop where it features many Buddha sculptures, but it is especially known for the sculptures of Avalokiteshvara. Shakya is now 78 years old, but he is no less active than a young person. He has no concern about how to spend his free time. “I’m someone who has moved forward with hard work from morning to evening.” He mentioned that the statues he creates are mainly targeted at Nepalese and are mostly bought by Nepalese. However, his sculptures are also appreciated and desired abroad.
Today, Shakya has nurtured many talented sculptors. Numerous young artists are now actively engaged in this artistic field, ensuring the tradition of Nepali sculpture is passed on to future generations.
Shakya had conducted the sculpture business in India for about a decade, which he shared was very good.
His artworks are kept in monasteries in Europe, America, Asia, and especially, in Nepal. A 17-foot-tall metal statue of Lord Ram, placed at the Martyrs’ Gate on Janakpur Highway, was also made by Shakya. He has created many such exceptional statues. The 9-foot statue of the thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara and a 3-foot statue of Tara found in Nala Mahayana Monastery and a monastery in Sagal. A 7-foot statue of the thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara in a monastery in Chobhar. A 3-foot statue of Namgel and a 6-foot statue of the thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara in the Manjushri De-Chen Buddhist Learning Center, Pharping. The 2-foot and 7-foot statues of thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara in the Padmavarna Mahayana Vihar. They are all his works.
Likewise, Shakya has also been making statues of Bhagwati, Ganesh, Kuber, Mahakala, various sizes of Yogini sculptures, Vajrasattva, Shakti, Yamantaka, and Chandramarochana. Today, many of Santa Kumar Shakya’s students have made their names in the fields of sculpture and painting.
Awards Received by Santa Kumar Shakya from the Government of Nepal in the Field of Sculpture:
- Honored by Most Venerable Guru Sherkod Rinpoche for his contribution to the creation of a 10-foot-tall statue of Gautam Buddha located in the garden of Taukhel Buddhist Monastery in 2046 B.S. (1990 A.D.).
- Awarded a Gold Medal in the handicraft competition organized by the Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal in 2048 B.S. (1992 A.D.).
- Recognized by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) for his dedicated and significant contribution to the promotion of cottage and small industries. He was honored as the Best National Entrepreneur during the 16th National Excellence in Cottage Industry Awards in 2057 B.S. (2001 A.D.).
- Honored by Most Venerable Guru Tulku Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche for his financial support in the construction of a new building at Shri Padmavarna Mahayana Vihar.
- Recognized for his financial contribution toward the installation of prayer wheels around the Shree Rudravarna Mahavihar, sanctified by Shivadev Sanskritik Onkuli in 2062 B.S. (2005 A.D.).
- Honored as an Outstanding Artist by the Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal in 2070 B.S. (2013 A.D.).
- Honored with the Arniko National Fine Arts Award by the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts in 2077 B.S. (2020 A.D.).
- Honored by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation on the occasion of World Tourism Day in 2078 B.S. (2021 A.D.).
- Recognized on the occasion of World Heritage Day in 2080 B.S. (2023 A.D.).
- Received the Krodha Kala Shiromani Honor also in 2080 B.S. (2023 A.D.).
