Radiating the
enlightened aura of Buddha with perfection which is beyond words, this
superfine gilded copper Nepalese statue is a masterpiece from the lap of the Himalayas.
Draped in a richly adorned robe with floral motifs with gemstones that seem to
be stitched on the body of the garment, the sculptor has visualized Buddha as a
glorious universal master.
Finer details such as the knot of the robe on Buddha’s
chest, the softness of his palm, and the musculature of the body are captured
masterfully in the icon. On the reverse of the statue, a mantra to Shakyamuni
is inscribed exquisitely on the lotus throne.
The Touchstone of Enlightenment
This magnificent statue captures the profound moment of the Buddha's enlightenment, rendered in the esteemed Nepalese tradition. The Bhumisparsha Mudra, or "earth-touching gesture," is central to this depiction. With his right hand gently resting on the earth, the Buddha summons the earth goddess, Vasundhara, as his witness to overcome the temptations of Mara, the demon king, and achieve Nirvana. This iconic pose symbolizes unwavering resolve, the ultimate victory of wisdom over delusion, and the grounding of spiritual power.A Testament to Craftsmanship
Forged from copper and lavishly gilded with 24-karat gold, this idol radiates an aura of divine luminescence. The surface shimmers with a warm, inviting glow, a testament to the meticulous gilding process. Every detail, from the serene expression on the Buddha's face to the intricate folds of his monastic robe, is rendered with extraordinary precision. The robe itself is a marvel, adorned with a mosaic of meticulously set precious and semi-precious stones, each jewel carefully chosen to enhance the statue's visual splendor and spiritual significance. The deep blue of the Buddha's hair, a symbol of his wisdom and vastness, contrasts beautifully with the opulent gold.Echoes of Sacred Landscapes
Crafted in Nepal, this statue embodies the rich artistic heritage of the region, a land steeped in Buddhist philosophy and devotion. Nepalese artistry is renowned for its delicate detailing and spiritual depth, often incorporating symbolic elements that resonate with ancient texts and practices. The lotus pedestal upon which the Buddha is seated is a universal symbol of purity, enlightenment, and spiritual awakening, signifying that even amidst the mud of worldly existence, spiritual beauty can blossom. The elaborate carvings on the base further enhance the sacred feel, inviting contemplation and devotion.An Embodiment of Peace and Wisdom
The presence of this statue can transform any space into a sanctuary of peace and introspection. It serves as a constant reminder of the Buddha's teachings on compassion, mindfulness, and the path to liberation. The Bhumisparsha Mudra, in particular, is a potent symbol of overcoming obstacles and anchoring oneself in the truth of existence. Owning such a finely crafted piece is not merely acquiring an object of art, but embracing a vessel of spiritual energy and a connection to a timeless legacy of wisdom and enlightenment. This exquisite statue is a perfect centerpiece for meditation rooms, personal altars, or as a distinguished gift for those seeking inner peace and spiritual growth.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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