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12" Buddhist Deity Vajrapani Statue from Nepal | Copper Idol with Silver Plated

$895.50
$1194
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In the Buddhist tradition, a Vajrapani statue is a portrayal of a fierce and angry Bodhisattva. In Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism, Vajrapani, whose name means "Vajra in Hand" or "Holder of the Thunderbolt," is a prominent person. Vajrapani, one of the Eight Great Bodhisattvas, is a guardian of the Dharma and embodies the energy of enlightened power.


Vajrapani is usually seen with a ferocious look, wearing celestial jewellery and frequently assuming a dynamic stance. In one hand, he holds a vajra, or thunderbolt, signifying the unbreakable, diamond-like quality of enlightenment. A potent tool used in tantric rituals to harness spiritual energy is the vajra.


Vajrapani is also known for his association with the principle of "upaya" or skillful means, emphasizing the compassionate and skillful methods employed by Bodhisattvas to help sentient beings attain enlightenment.

Specifications
MIV524
Copper with Silver Plated
Height: 12 inch
Width: 8 inch
Depth: 4.5 inch
Weight 1.80 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.

Embodiment of Unwavering Resolve: The Vajrapani Statue

This exquisite 12-inch statue captures the dynamic and powerful form of Vajrapani, a revered Bodhisattva in Buddhist tradition. Crafted from enduring copper and adorned with a radiant silver plating, this Nepalese masterpiece embodies the fierce protective energy and unwavering resolve that Vajrapani represents. The detailed artistry, a hallmark of Nepalese metalwork, brings to life the intense gaze, the coiled energy, and the resolute stance of this formidable deity. The statue depicts Vajrapani in a characteristic pose, radiating an aura of formidable power. His features are rendered with striking intensity, conveying his role as a guardian against negativities and inner demons. The swirling flames that form the backdrop are not merely decorative but symbolize the transformative power of wisdom and the burning away of ignorance. Vajrapani, often depicted as wrathful, is a protector of the Buddha and his teachings, and his fierce form is a testament to his dedication to safeguarding the Dharma. In Buddhist mythology, Vajrapani is said to hold the vajra, a diamond-thunderbolt scepter, symbolizing the indestructible nature of enlightenment. He is one of the three great Bodhisattvas along with Manjushri and Avalokiteshvara, each representing different aspects of the enlightened mind.

A Symbol of Strength and Protection

This statue serves as a potent reminder of the power within to overcome obstacles and negative influences. Vajrapani is particularly invoked to dispel fear, doubt, and the hindrances that prevent spiritual progress. His presence is a source of courage and strength, encouraging practitioners to face challenges with unwavering determination. The intricate silver plating adds a luminous quality to the copper, enhancing the visual impact and lending an air of divine presence. Whether placed in a personal meditation space, a temple, or as a significant decorative piece, this Vajrapani statue invites contemplation on the nature of protection, inner strength, and the ultimate victory of wisdom over ignorance. Its origins in Nepal, a land steeped in Buddhist heritage, imbue it with a deep cultural and spiritual significance. The skilled hands that shaped this piece have channeled centuries of artistic tradition and devotional practice into its creation, making it a truly remarkable artifact.

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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