Embodiment of Unyielding Power
This exquisite statue captures the formidable presence of Vajrapani, a powerful Bodhisattva in Buddhist traditions, revered as the "Vajra-Wielder." Vajrapani is one of the earliest Bodhisattvas, a spiritual heir to the Buddha, and is often depicted as a wrathful deity who overcomes obstacles and protects the Dharma from all forms of evil and ignorance. His name itself, derived from the Sanskrit words "vajra" (thunderbolt or diamond) and "pani" (in hand), signifies his mastery over immense power and indestructibility.
––––––––––––––––––––
Symbolism and Divine Radiance
Rendered in gleaming copper gilded with gold, this statue radiates an aura of divine energy and spiritual might. The vibrant, flame-like aureole behind Vajrapani symbolizes his fiery resolve and the brilliant wisdom that burns away darkness. His fierce expression, often characterized by bulging eyes and a determined snarl, represents his ability to confront and conquer inner demons and external adversities with unwavering courage. The third eye on his forehead signifies profound insight and awareness, seeing through illusion to the ultimate truth.
––––––––––––––––––––
Artistry from the Himalayas
Crafted with exceptional skill by Nepalese artisans, this statue is a testament to the rich artistic heritage of the Himalayan region, renowned for its devotional objects. The intricate details, from the powerful musculature of Vajrapani's form to the delicate adornments of his crown and armbands, showcase the meticulous craftsmanship passed down through generations. The choice of copper, a sacred metal in many cultures, further enhances the spiritual significance of the piece, while the opulent gold gilding imbues it with a sacred glow, making it a truly captivating centerpiece for any altar or sacred space. The dynamic pose, with one foot forward and a hand raised, conveys a sense of constant vigilance and readiness to protect, echoing the protective spirit of this revered Bodhisattva. This masterpiece serves not only as a beautiful object of art but also as a powerful reminder of the strength, wisdom, and protection that Vajrapani embodies.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
