Manjushri

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Name: Manjushri
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZO56
Price: 315.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$394

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	ZO56
	Copper Sculpture gilded with 24 Karat Gold
	Height: 5.3 inch
	Width: 3.5 inch
	Depth: 2.5 inch
	Weight 5 kg

Delivery and Return Policies


	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
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Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

Symbol of Wisdom

Behold, a captivating representation of a revered Bodhisattva, meticulously crafted in copper and lavished with a 24 Karat gold gilding. This small yet powerful statue invites the essence of wisdom and clarity into your space. The piece is a testament to skilled craftsmanship, a tangible expression of devotion and artistry. The statue's compact dimensions (5.3 x 3.5 x 2.5 inches) allows for integration into any space.

Deity of Transcendental Wisdom

He is revered in many Buddhist traditions as the embodiment of wisdom. According to Mahayana Buddhist tradition, Manjushri is one of the eight great Bodhisattvas, often depicted alongside Avalokiteshvara (compassion) and Vajrapani (power), together forming a powerful trio representing essential aspects of enlightenment. Legend has it that Manjushri manifested on Mount Wutai in China, which became a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists seeking wisdom. His presence is said to inspire seekers and guide them on the path to understanding. This statue serves as a reminder of his enduring legacy and an inspiration for your own journey towards enlightenment.

Iconography and Symbolism

Observe the attributes of this magnificent depiction. In one hand, Manjushri wields the flaming sword of wisdom, known as the *khadga*, cutting through the veil of ignorance and delusion. This represents the power of discriminative wisdom to dispel darkness and illuminate the true nature of reality. In his other hand, he holds the stem of a lotus flower, upon which rests the *Prajnaparamita Sutra*, the scripture embodying perfect wisdom. The lotus, emerging from muddy waters, symbolizes purity and enlightenment rising above worldly attachments. The combined symbolism of the sword and scripture signifies the inseparable union of wisdom and skillful means in attaining liberation. The deity is seated in a meditative posture, conveying a sense of calm and introspection. Each detail is designed to inspire contemplation and reflection.

A Cherished Addition

This gilded copper statue brings not only a visual and aesthetic element to your living space, but also a tangible connection to Buddhist tradition and the pursuit of wisdom. Place it in your meditation space, study, or any area where you seek clarity and inspiration. Let it be a constant reminder to cultivate wisdom and compassion in your daily 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.