Dvarapala (Guardian Lion) Statue
Inspired by the intricate architecture and sculptures I encountered during a trip to Cambodia, I wanted to create a personal artifact as a lasting reminder. Rather than bringing home a small trinket, I set out to build a museum-quality Dvarapala statue to complement the natural setting of my backyard.
Project Definition
The project required sourcing a realistic 3D model of a Dvarapala statue, selecting a manufacturing method and durable materials that could withstand outdoor exposure to heat, cold, and UV radiation. Additionally, achieving an optimal balance or designing for manufacturability and realism was essential. Overcomplicating the design could make production infeasible, while simplifying it too much could detract from its authenticity.
Project Design
I selected a 3D scan of a Dvarapala statue from the French National Museum’s digital archives. Given my experience with FDM 3D printing, I chose this method but had to use mesh editing software to divide the scan data into sections due to print size limitations. PETG filament was the material of choice due to its heat and UV resistance, ease of printing, and affordability. To minimize material use, I employed the vase mode printing technique, creating thin-walled sections that were later reinforced with epoxy resin. For finishing, I applied sandstone-textured spray paint to enhance realism and conceal surface imperfections.
Project Delivery
Despite my efforts to conserve material, the final sculpture required over 30 lbs of PETG filament. The vase printing technique resulted in fragile sections, and complex overhangs caused print defects that required significant post-processing. In hindsight, prioritizing print orientation and structural integrity over filament efficiency would have reduced post-production effort. After reinforcing the sections with two coats of epoxy, followed by high-build primer, sanding, and final sandstone paint coats, the completed statue achieved an impressive level of realism. From a few feet away, it closely resembles an authentic stone sculpture, making it a striking outdoor centerpiece.
