The Deity
Vajrasattva is a glazing statue that embodies serenity and divine gentleness.
He is draped in an exquisite ensemble and wears a gold crown. Vajrasattva is
seated on a lotus throne, holding a bell cradled in his left hand and a vajra
in his right hand enlightens this statue from Nepal. Adorned with intricate and
precious stones in all kinds of bodhisattva ornaments, radiates an aura of elegance. His
half-closed eyes figure with crossed legs, and his presence exudes an air of
stillness that harmonizes beautifully with his blissful facial expressions.
The Embodying Radiance of Vajrasattva
This magnificent copper idol, embellished with gold, depicts the revered Tibetan Buddhist deity Vajrasattva, a profound symbol of purification and spiritual transformation. Rendered in the exquisite artistry characteristic of Nepalese craftsmanship, this statue stands as a testament to centuries of devotion and artistic heritage. Vajrasattva, often referred to as the "Diamond Being" or "Adamantine Being," embodies the indestructible essence of enlightenment. In Buddhist lore, he is believed to have attained enlightenment through his own disciplined practice and vows to help all sentient beings purify their negative karma and achieve Buddhahood. He is particularly invoked for the removal of obstacles and the cleansing of defilements that hinder spiritual progress.A Vision of Purity and Serenity
The serene countenance of Vajrasattva radiates a profound sense of peace and compassion. His posture, seated in the lotus position, signifies the mastery of the mind and the attainment of a balanced state. The intricate details of his adornments speak volumes about his enlightened status. The elaborate crown, adorned with precious stones like turquoise and carnelian, symbolizes his supreme wisdom and regal bearing. Delicate necklaces and armbands, also inlaid with vibrant stones, further accentuate his divine presence. His hands are depicted in mudras that carry specific spiritual meanings: one hand is raised, perhaps signifying the dispelling of ignorance, while the other rests in his lap, holding a vajra or bell, traditional symbols of his nature. The lustrous copper, brought to life with a rich gold finish, gives the idol a divine luminescence, making it appear as if bathed in celestial light.The Significance of Vajrasattva in Practice
In Tibetan Buddhism, Vajrasattva is central to purification practices. The Vajrasattva mantra is considered one of the most potent antidotes to negative karma, obscurations, and broken vows. Reciting this mantra with sincere devotion is believed to cleanse the mind and spirit, paving the way for spiritual realization. This idol serves as a powerful visual aid for meditation and contemplation, allowing practitioners to connect with the transformative energy of Vajrasattva. The practice associated with him is not merely about atonement but about realizing one's inherent Buddha-nature, which is pure and untainted. The visual presence of such a statue can inspire a deeper commitment to ethical conduct and the pursuit of wisdom.Nepalese Artistry: A Legacy of Devotion
The creation of this statue is rooted in the rich artistic traditions of Nepal, a region that has long been a crucible of Buddhist art and philosophy. Nepalese artisans have a time-honored reputation for their skill in casting and sculpting intricate religious figures. The meticulous attention to detail, the harmonious proportions, and the vibrant application of materials like gold and semi-precious stones are hallmarks of this esteemed tradition. This particular piece, standing at approximately 16 inches, is a substantial and commanding representation, designed to be a focal point for devotion and a source of inspiration in any sacred space or personal altar. Its presence evokes the spiritual vibrancy of Himalayan Buddhism, bringing a piece of that sacred heritage into your home.How are Nepalese copper statues made?
Nepalese statues and sculptures are best known for their unique
small religious figures and ritual paraphernalia for over two
thousand years. These are mainly cast in copper alloy. Nepal draws
influences from the artistic styles of Buddhism and Hinduism, and
therefore the sculptors of the country specialize in making the
icons of both these religions. Over the years, Nepalese sculptures
evolved into their own distinctive iconography. Some
characteristic features of these sculptures that differ from other
pieces are exaggerated physical postures, youthful and sensual
features, languid eyes, wider faces having serene expressions, and
ornate flourishes. The Buddhist deity icons of Nepal have
tremendous demand in countries such as China and Tibet for ritual
purposes in their temples and monasteries.
Nepalese statues and sculptures have a high copper content and
therefore develop a slightly reddish patina on the surface as they
age. However, the most unique feature of Nepalese copper statues
is their decorative detailing. The pieces are heavily gilded and
sometimes inlaid with semi-precious stones. This embellishment
protects them from getting tarnished. The traditional lost-wax
method for casting Nepalese copper statues remains the most
practiced technique in Nepal for many centuries. This process
involves many steps and requires skilled artists.
The first step in lost-wax sculpting is to make a wax replica of
the desired Buddhist deity to be cast in copper. This replica is
created by hand and therefore needs excellent artistic skills
otherwise fine features will be lacking.
Once the wax replica is made, it is then coated with a special
mixture of clay with a brush. This layer of clay is hardened when
left to dry. A small hole is made on the base of the wax mould so
that the wax flows away when it is heated.
At this stage, a hollow mould in the shape of the deity is
obtained.
This is the time to pour liquid copper into the hollow mould which
is then allowed to cool and harden inside a container of cold
water. When the liquid metal has hardened, the mould is removed
and the statue within is revealed.
The artist works on the details of the statue using various tools.
It is then polished to get a shiny and lustrous surface.
Now comes the most important part of Nepalese art which is gold
gilding. This is done by the traditional fire gilding method. A
mixture of mercury and 18K gold is applied on the surface of the
statue and heat is applied using a flame torch. The result is that
mercury evaporates along with impurities, leaving a pure 24K gold
finish.
The lost-wax method of sculpting is the most preferred technique
for artists to cast a metallic statue having intricate details.
Since Nepalese copper sculptures require extraneous effort for
giving a majestic look by adding special embellishments, it takes
several weeks to complete one masterpiece. A 24K gold gilded
copper sculpture retains its brilliant luster for many years and
appears as like before. Nepalese sculptures continue to remain one of the finest specimens of the art of the East that have a strong
aesthetic appeal that other sculptures cannot match.
Upload an Image
