Padmasambhava, known
as the Precious Guru, sits upon a moon disc in regal attireāa Lotus hat and a
meticulously carved monastic robe, adorned with delicate floral motifs. His
right hand firmly holds the Vajra, a symbol of unwavering spiritual power and
mastery over the spiritual path. Gracefully resting upon his left shoulder is
the Trident, signifying mastery over spiritual realms and the alignment of
body, speech, and mind.
Ā
Credited with
introducing Buddhism to Tibet, Padmasambhava's teachings, particularly
Vajrayana, were monumental. He dedicated years to translating Buddhist texts
into Tibetan, aided by 25 followers and 108 translators. This tremendous effort
rightfully earned him the revered title of 'the Vajrayana Buddha,' echoing his
profound and enduring spiritual legacy.
The Great Guru of Oddiyana
This exquisite copper statue from Nepal captures the profound presence of Guru Padmasambhava, also known as the "Lotus-Born One." Revered as the second Buddha, Padmasambhava is a central figure in Tibetan Buddhism, credited with bringing the teachings of tantric Buddhism to Tibet in the 8th century. His spiritual power and esoteric knowledge helped to subdue local deities and spirits that resisted the new faith, paving the way for Buddhism to flourish in the Himalayan region. Tales of his miraculous birth from a lotus flower in the Dhanakosha Lake of Uddiyana (modern-day Swat Valley) speak to his divine nature and his role as a liberator from suffering.Symbolism and Iconography
The statue depicts Padmasambhava in his characteristic form, radiating wisdom and compassion. He is seated in the royal posture, a symbol of his enlightened sovereignty. His serene countenance, framed by elaborate ornamentation and a regal headdress, conveys a sense of immense peace and authority. In his left hand, he holds a *phurba*, a ritualistic dagger symbolizing the subjugation of negative forces and the cutting away of ignorance. His right hand is raised in the *vitarka mudra*, the gesture of teaching and debate, signifying his role as a spiritual guide. The intricate detailing of his robes, adorned with auspicious symbols, speaks to the richness of Buddhist art and the profound meaning embedded in each element. He holds a *kalasha*, a sacred vessel containing the nectar of immortality, symbolizing the attainment of enlightenment and eternal wisdom.Craftsmanship and Artistic Heritage
Crafted from high-quality copper, this statue embodies the traditional artistry of Nepalese artisans, renowned for their skill in metal casting. The patina achieved through centuries of devotion adds a deep sense of authenticity and spiritual gravitas to the piece. The detailed rendering of facial features, the flowing fabric of the robes, and the symbolic accoutrements all showcase a meticulous attention to detail that is a hallmark of fine Buddhist art. This statue is not merely an object of beauty but a conduit for spiritual connection, inviting contemplation and reverence. Its presence can transform any space into a sanctuary of peace and spiritual inquiry, a reminder of the enduring legacy of the Great Guru.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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