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10" Manjushri Nepalese Copper Statue | Buddhist Deity Copper Idols

$454.50
$606
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A true masterpiece from Nepal, this artwork showcases Manjushri's princely demeanor and his poignant connection to wisdom. With a sword that signifies the sharpness of insight and the Vitarka Mudra that imparts Buddhist teachings, every aspect is a testament to his transformative power. Crafted with meticulous attention, the fusion of copper and gold plating ensures both endurance and magnificence. This monument of Manjushri serves as a source of inspiration, invoking tranquility and guiding you on a journey towards enlightenment.

Specifications
CAA044
Copper With Gold
Height: 10 inch
Width: 9 inch
Depth: 4 inch
Weight 2.10 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 6 days
Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
Free Delivery
Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

The Bodhisattva of Wisdom and Insight

This exquisite statue embodies the revered Bodhisattva Manjushri, a central figure in Mahayana Buddhism, representing the pinnacle of wisdom, intellect, and enlightenment. Crafted with meticulous detail from copper and adorned with subtle gold accents, this artwork is a testament to the rich artistic traditions of Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual devotion and masterful craftsmanship. Manjushri is often depicted as a youthful prince, his serene countenance radiating compassion and profound understanding. In this representation, he holds aloft a flaming sword, the Prajnaparamita, symbolizing his ability to cut through ignorance, illusion, and attachment. The fire represents the transformative power of wisdom, illuminating the darkness of delusion and leading beings towards liberation. The other hand is held in a gesture of granting boons, signifying his readiness to offer guidance and blessings to all who seek knowledge. ––––––––––––––––––––

Mythological Resonance and Cultural Significance

Manjushri's presence is deeply woven into Buddhist mythology and philosophy. He is considered the embodiment of all Buddhas' wisdom, appearing in numerous sutras and mandalas. Tales describe him as a spiritual son of the cosmic Buddha Vairochana, born from a lotus flower, hence his association with the lotus blossom often depicted near him, representing purity and spiritual awakening. He is also known as the "Lord of Knowledge" and is invoked by scholars, artists, and anyone striving for intellectual clarity and spiritual insight. The sword he wields is said to sever the root of suffering, while the lotus he holds represents the blossoming of wisdom from the mud of worldly existence. This particular depiction, with its intricate ornamentation and serene yet powerful posture, is characteristic of Nepalese artistry, which has for centuries been a vital conduit for Buddhist iconography and practice. ––––––––––––––––––––

Artistry and Devotion

The sculpting of this statue showcases the remarkable skill of Nepalese artisans. The smooth contours of the body, the delicate rendering of the facial features, and the fine details of the ornaments – including the jewel-encrusted crown and sacred necklaces – speak volumes about their dedication and mastery of the medium. The interplay of copper and gold adds a layer of opulence and spiritual gravitas, imbuing the piece with an aura of divine presence. This statue is not merely an object of art; it is a sacred vessel, designed to inspire contemplation, foster wisdom, and serve as a tangible connection to the enlightened qualities that Manjushri represents. It is a perfect centerpiece for a meditation space, a study, or any area where one seeks inspiration and a reminder of the pursuit of higher knowledge and spiritual understanding.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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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