This gilded copper
Nepalese statue depicts Vajrapani, the Buddhist visionĀ of Indra,
holding the Vajra, a symbol of enlightenment, and the noose, a sign of wisdom's
control over the mind, in a dynamic pose. Vajrapani's flaming aureole has been
exquisitely presented, and the vibrant red and orange colorsĀ used on his
flaming hairĀ perfectly convey the light of wisdom that it stands for.
Quelling the enemies of Dhamma under his feet and gazing unwaveringly at the
devotee, Vajrapani in this form enchants the mind away from the ceaseless
movement of the Samsara.Ā
The Majestic Vajrapani: Protector of the Dharma
This exquisite statue depicts Vajrapani, a powerful Bodhisattva revered in Tibetan Buddhism as the "Vajra Holder." Known for his fierce energy and unwavering commitment to protecting the Buddha's teachings, Vajrapani embodies the indestructible nature of enlightenment. Crafted from copper and meticulously gilded with gold, this statue captures the divine radiance and formidable presence of this important deity.
Vajrapani is one of the three great Bodhisattvas, alongside Manjushri (wisdom) and Avalokiteshvara (compassion). He is particularly associated with the energy of the enlightened mind and is invoked to overcome obstacles, subdue negative forces, and generate spiritual power. In his iconography, Vajrapani is often depicted in a wrathful aspect, symbolizing his ability to destroy ignorance, aversion, and attachment, the root causes of suffering. The dynamic posture and fierce expression of this statue convey his potent protective force. His single vajra (thunderbolt scepter), held in his right hand, symbolizes his mastery over all obstacles and his unwavering strength.
The statue's base is adorned with a lotus pedestal, a symbol of purity and spiritual awakening. Vajrapani stands triumphantly over a subjugated figure, representing the vanquishing of negative emotions and demonic forces. This imagery reflects the Buddhist understanding that true liberation comes from overcoming internal hindrances. The flaming aureole behind him signifies his radiant wisdom and the purifying power of his enlightened activity, chasing away darkness and illusion.
The tradition of creating such detailed Buddhist art in Nepal stretches back centuries, with artisans drawing inspiration from ancient texts and a deep spiritual heritage. The intricate details, from the flowing robes and powerful musculature to the expressive face and ornate ornamentation, are a testament to the skill and devotion of the craftspeople. The application of gold gilding not only enhances the visual splendor but also symbolizes the transmutation of base metals into pure gold, mirroring the spiritual journey of transforming ordinary consciousness into enlightened awareness. This statue serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for spiritual transformation that lies within all beings.
āāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāA Symbol of Strength and Spiritual Authority
This finely crafted statue of Vajrapani is more than just a beautiful object; it is a potent symbol of spiritual power and protection. Whether placed in a meditation space, a home altar, or as a treasured piece of art, it can serve as a focal point for contemplation and a source of inspiration. Its commanding presence and radiant gold finish evoke a sense of divine energy and resilience. The story of Vajrapani is woven into the fabric of Buddhist history, often depicted as the one who received the lightning bolt from Indra, thus receiving the name Vajrapani. He is also seen as the guardian of the precious teachings, ensuring their preservation and dissemination throughout the world. Possessing this statue is to invite a powerful protector and a profound symbol of enlightenment into your life.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.
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