12" Copper Manjushri Statue | Idols from Nepal

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12" Copper Manjushri Statue | Idols from Nepal

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Name: 12" Copper Manjushri Statue | Idols from Nepal
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: CAA016
Price: 995.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$933

$1244

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Only 1 available

Manjushri is a significant Bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism, symbolizing wisdom unhindered by concepts. He holds a flaming sword in his right hand, that signifies the transformation of passion into wisdom and the power to cut through ignorance, which is the root of all suffering. Legends stating, he was an incarnation of Vairocana, who brought Buddhism to Khotan. He can be seen in swirling silken scarf, also known as a "utpala" or "kusha", symbolizes the gentle and continuous dissemination of wisdom and compassion to all beings. The lotus on his left hand symbolizes purity and spiritual growth, while Prajna Paramita on top represents the profound understanding that leads to enlightenment. Together, they signify the blossoming of wisdom through the unfolding of one's spiritual journey.

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Specifications

	CAA016
	Copper With Gold
	Height: 12 inch
	Width: 9 inch
	Depth: 4.5 inch
	Weight 3.10 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.

A Vision of Wisdom and Illumination

This magnificent statue embodies Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, a revered figure in Mahayana Buddhism. Crafted with exquisite skill in Nepal, this piece is a testament to the enduring artistic traditions of the region. The lustrous copper, accented with gold, radiates a warm, ethereal glow, capturing the divine essence of this enlightened being. Manjushri is often depicted holding a flaming sword, symbolizing the cutting through of ignorance and delusion, and a lotus flower, representing purity and enlightenment. This statue masterfully portrays these iconic attributes, inviting contemplation and spiritual connection. ––––––––––––––––––

The Bodhisattva of Transcendent Insight

Manjushri is one of the most prominent and beloved Bodhisattvas, a being destined for Buddhahood who selflessly postpones their own nirvana to assist others in their spiritual journey. In Buddhist cosmology, Manjushri is considered the embodiment of all Buddhas' wisdom. His name, Manjushri, translates to "Gentle Glory" or "Melodious Glory," and it is believed that by invoking him, devotees can overcome obstacles to understanding and gain profound insight into the nature of reality. Tales abound of Manjushri's intervention in the lives of seekers, clearing confusion and illuminating the path towards liberation. He is often invoked to overcome inner demons, sharpen intellect, and gain clarity in decision-making. ––––––––––––––––––

Artistry and Devotion from Nepal

Each detail of this statue speaks to the meticulous craftsmanship of Nepalese artisans. From the serene expression on Manjushri's face to the intricate ornamentation of his crown and the flowing drapery of his robes, every element is rendered with precision and devotion. The pose, seated in a meditative posture atop an ornate lotus base, signifies stability and inner peace. The halo behind his head signifies his enlightenment and transcendence. The use of copper, a metal deeply ingrained in spiritual practices across Asia, provides a grounding yet radiant foundation for the gilded details, enhancing the statue's sacred aura. This piece is not merely a decorative object but a sacred vessel, intended to inspire meditation, foster wisdom, and bring a sense of divine presence into any space. It serves as a powerful reminder of the pursuit of knowledge and the radiant light of understanding that can dispel the darkness of ignorance.

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.