Towards an Aesthetic of Wisdom

$395
Item Code: EO56
Specifications:
Copper Statue Gilded with 24 Karat Gold
Height: 8.7 inch
Width: 6 inch
Depth: 3.5 inch
Weight: 1.60 kg
Handmade
Handmade
Free delivery
Free delivery
Fully insured
Fully insured
Shipped to 153 countries
Shipped to 153 countries
More than 1M+ customers worldwide
More than 1M+ customers worldwide
Considering the fact that wisdom is one of the most significant principles stressed upon by Buddhism, it comes as no surprise that monks and artists' whose primary efforts have been directed towards giving visual forms to abstract truths should discover a suitable aesthetic for the 'physical' portrayal of wisdom.

As we find our way along the way to enlightenment, trying to follow the path of wisdom we have heard about, we begin to make out an area ahead which is distinctly lighter. At first it is dim and unclear, but as we approach it becomes brighter. After a while, as we move more confidently and sure-footedly, it becomes a great light like the sun. Increasingly, this light seems to banish our ignorance like the sun dispelling dark clouds.

The light becomes even more golden and brilliant, until finally we can see its source. It is a figure, completely composed of golden-yellow light. It is a young man, perhaps sixteen years old, though there is a timeless youthfulness about him. He is sitting on a moon mat on a lotus pedestal. His well-proportioned body is adorned with precious jewels and colorful silks. He is handsome and smiling. With his right hand he gracefully and effortlessly wields a two-edged sword, around the tip of which can be seen dancing tongues of flame. The sword is there to cut off (and burn) the fetters of ignorance. The left gently grips a stem, which flowers into a lotus at his shoulder. This blossom supports a book (of wisdom).

Thus, following the path of Dharma, we have managed to come face to face with Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom. Each and every aspect of his glowing countenance reverberates with the radiance of spiritual significance:

a). He is youthful, because wisdom is ever new and ever fresh.

b). He is handsome because wisdom involves aesthetic appreciation.

c). He is well-built because wisdom engenders true strength.

d). His face is smiling an intoxicated smile of self-absorbed bliss because with wisdom comes self-sufficiency and total contentment.

Click Here to view an enlarged image of the reverse of the Statue


Free Shipping. Delivered by to all international destinations within 3 to 5 days, fully insured.

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.
Image
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.
Image
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.
Image

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.
Image
Add a review
Have A Question

For privacy concerns, please view our Privacy Policy