10" Manjushri Copper Idol from Nepal | Statue of Bodhisattva

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10" Manjushri Copper Idol from Nepal | Statue of Bodhisattva

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Name: 10" Manjushri Copper Idol from Nepal | Statue of Bodhisattva
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: CAA012
Price: 585.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$548.25

$731

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Only 1 available

Manjushri is particularly associated with transcendent wisdom (prajna) and is considered the personification of the highest understanding. His name, "Manjushri," translates to "Gentle Glory" or "Sweet Splendor" in Sanskrit, reflecting the sublime qualities and wisdom he embodies. According to Buddhist tradition, Manjushri was present during the time of Gautama Buddha and is believed to have been a close disciple of the Buddha. He is often credited with introducing the Buddha to the Prajnaparamita Sutra, a pivotal Mahayana text that expounds on the perfection of wisdom. Crafted in brown, adding an earthy and grounded tone to this revered Bodhisattva, he is seen holding a sword in his right hand, which represents the wisdom that cuts through ignorance and delusion. In his left hand, he typically holds the Prajnaparamita Sutra, symbolizing the perfection of wisdom.

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Specifications

	CAA012
	Copper With Gold
	Height: 10 inch
	Width: 8 inch
	Depth: 4 inch
	Weight 2.25 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 6 days
	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

The Radiant Bodhisattva of Wisdom

This exquisite idol depicts Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, Knowledge, and Eloquence, a pivotal figure in Mahayana Buddhism. Crafted with masterful artistry in Nepal, this statue embodies the profound spiritual essence of Manjushri, who is revered for dispelling ignorance and illuminating the path to enlightenment. The sculpture is meticulously rendered in copper with a striking gold finish, highlighting its divine aura and intricate details. ––––––––––

Symbolism of Manjushri

Manjushri is often depicted as a youthful prince, symbolizing the fresh, untainted nature of true wisdom. He is traditionally shown seated in the lotus position, signifying spiritual purity and detachment. In his right hand, he wields a flaming sword, representing the sharp intellect that cuts through the illusions of ignorance, duality, and suffering. This sword symbolizes the power of wisdom to sever the roots of negative emotions and misunderstandings. In his left hand, he often holds the Prajnaparamita Sutra, the Perfection of Wisdom Sutra, signifying the profound teachings that lead to liberation. The lotus flower, often seen emerging from his hand or near him, represents the purity and blossoming of enlightenment, even amidst the muddy waters of samsara. This particular representation, with the sword held aloft, conveys a dynamic energy, ready to swiftly overcome obstacles on the spiritual journey. ––––––––––

Artistry and Craftsmanship

The statue is a testament to the rich artistic heritage of Nepal, a land steeped in Buddhist tradition and renowned for its skilled metalworkers. The use of copper with a gold finish imbues the idol with a luminous quality, reflecting the radiant nature of wisdom. The fine details, from the serene expression on Manjushri's face to the intricate patterns adorning his robes and the base, showcase the dedication and precision of the artisan. The ornamental headdress, adorned with precious stones, adds to the regal and divine appearance of the Bodhisattva. The dynamic pose, with the body slightly turned and the sword raised, conveys a sense of movement and power, as if Manjushri is actively engaged in the act of bestowing wisdom and vanquishing darkness. The ornate lotus throne further enhances the sacredness and dignity of the representation. ––––––––––

A Source of Inspiration

Possessing such an idol is more than just acquiring a beautiful object; it is an invitation to cultivate the qualities of wisdom and clarity in one's own life. Manjushri is invoked by students, scholars, and anyone seeking deeper understanding and insight. He is believed to grant intelligence, sharpen memory, and facilitate eloquent speech. This statue serves as a constant reminder to engage with the world through the lens of wisdom, to approach challenges with clarity, and to strive for the highest spiritual realization. It is a focal point for meditation, prayer, and contemplation, connecting the devotee to the boundless wisdom that underlies all existence. This Nepalese creation is a profound expression of devotion and artistic excellence, designed to inspire and elevate the spirit.

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.