Vintage Seven-Headed Naga in Copper | Repoussé | Framed Masterpiece

This vintage seven-headed Naga is a finely crafted copper devotional object, made using the traditional repoussé technique. Dating to the mid-20th century, the piece features seven individually worked serpent heads rising above a coiled body, with detailed relief work across the copper surface.

Nagas hold an important place in Indian religious and cultural traditions and are associated with protection, fertility, water and the natural world. The serpent is revered across Hindu traditions, with Naga imagery appearing in temple sculpture, ritual objects and devotional art. The multiple heads of the serpent are a recurring motif in South Asian religious iconography, representing the powerful and protective nature of the Naga.

The repoussé technique involves shaping and raising the metal from the reverse to create relief on the front surface. Here, the technique has been used to articulate the individual heads, facial details and coiled lower section of the serpent, giving the copper object a strong sculptural presence.

The copper has developed an attractive natural patina over decades, while areas of age-related damage remain visible on the surface. These signs of age have been retained rather than concealed, forming part of the object's history and character. The Naga is framed against black and gold brocade cloth, creating a rich contrast with the warm tones of the aged copper.

Presented as part of The Blue Trunk's Framed Masterpiece collection, this is a distinctive example of vintage Indian metalwork and devotional art, particularly suited to collectors interested in Naga iconography, traditional repoussé craftsmanship and Indian ritual objects.

Details

• Object: Seven-Headed Naga
• Material: Copper
• Technique: Repoussé
• Origin: India
• Period: Mid-20th century
• Age: Vintage
• Subject: Seven-headed Naga / serpent
• Mounting: Black and gold brocade cloth
• Collection: The Blue Trunk – Framed Masterpieces
• Naga Dimensions: H 6 × L 5 in
• Frame Dimensions: H 15 × L 13 in
• Condition: Vintage condition with natural patina and age-related damage; refer to photographs
• Authenticity: Comes with an authenticity certificate from The Blue Trunk.