10" Tibetan Buddhist Deity Hayagriva Copper Statue from Nepal

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10" Tibetan Buddhist Deity Hayagriva Copper Statue from Nepal

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$1485.75

$1981

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A powerful divinity with control over pure wisdom Hayagriva (the horse-necked one) in Tibetan Buddhism represents the potent aspect of Bodhisattva Vajrasattva. This gilt copper statue from Nepal is a representation of Hayagriva in union with his Shakti, in the Tantric Yab-Yum posture, signifying the balance of his wisdom with her compassion. The faces of Hayagriva are marvelously delineated and adorned with a stunning skull and jewel crown, whose awe-inspiring effect is amplified by the swaying tresses and flaming aureole around the sculpture.

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Specifications

	MIU385
	COPPER GILDED WITH GOLD
	Height: 10 inch
	Width: 7.5 inch
	Depth: 4 inch
	Weight 2.50 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.

Embodiment of Ferocious Wisdom

This exquisite statue depicts Hayagriva, a wrathful emanation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Known as the "Horse-Necked One," Hayagriva is a powerful protector against negativity, ignorance, and spiritual obstacles. His fierce form, with multiple heads, arms, and eyes, symbolizes his boundless compassion and his ability to overcome the deepest afflictions. The statue's dynamic posture and fierce expression convey his unwavering determination to vanquish evil and guide practitioners towards enlightenment. The swirling flames that emanate from him represent the transformative power of wisdom that burns away all impurities.

A Glimpse into Tibetan Buddhist Iconography

Hayagriva's iconography is rich with symbolism. His three heads represent the three kayas (bodies) of a Buddha, while his numerous arms signify his vast capabilities and the skillful means he employs to liberate beings. He often holds various implements, such as a vajra (thunderbolt) and a sword, to destroy ignorance and illusion. The horse's head, often emerging from his primary head or crown, signifies his power to swiftly overcome obstacles, akin to a galloping steed. This statue, crafted from copper and gilded with gold, captures the intensity and majesty of Hayagriva, bringing his potent energy into your sacred space. The radiant gold gilding enhances his divine presence, symbolizing purity and spiritual illumination.

A Treasure from the Himalayas

Originating from Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual heritage and renowned for its masterful metalwork, this statue is a testament to the enduring traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. Each detail, from the intricate facial features to the flowing robes and the dynamic pose, has been meticulously rendered by skilled artisans. Such statues are not merely decorative objects; they are potent focal points for meditation and devotion, serving as reminders of the path to liberation and the powerful spiritual forces that guide us. This Hayagriva statue invites a sense of protective energy and profound spiritual connection, making it a cherished addition to any altar or contemplative space. Its presence can inspire courage, wisdom, and the overcoming of internal and external challenges on the spiritual journey.

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.