12" Tibetan Buddhist Deity Zhabdrung Rinpoche Idol from Nepal

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MADE IN INDIA.

12" Tibetan Buddhist Deity Zhabdrung Rinpoche Idol from Nepal

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Name: 12" Tibetan Buddhist Deity Zhabdrung Rinpoche Idol from Nepal
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: MIV999
Price: 780.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$731.25

$975

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Zhabdrung Rinpoche refers to the title held by the spiritual leaders who played a crucial role in the unification of Bhutan in the 17th century. The first Zhabdrung Rinpoche, Ngawang Namgyal, founded the dual system of government in Bhutan, uniting the country under a central leadership combining both spiritual and secular authority.

The Zhabdrung Rinpoche is considered a revered figure in Bhutanese history, credited with establishing the unique identity and character of the country. The lineage of Zhabdrung Rinpoches has continued, and each successive Zhabdrung Rinpoche has played a significant role in the spiritual and cultural development of Bhutan.

Devotees hold deep respect for the Zhabdrung Rinpoche, seeing them not only as political leaders but also as spiritual guides who have contributed to the preservation of Bhutanese culture and Buddhism. Zhabdrung's legacy remains integral to the fabric of Bhutan's identity and its commitment to maintaining a harmonious balance between spiritual and worldly matters.

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Specifications

	MIV999
	COPPER GILDED WITH GOLD
	Height: 12 inch
	Width: 9 inch
	Depth: 6 inch
	Weight 4.50 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.

A Revered Presence: The Divine Zhabdrung Rinpoche

Crafted with exquisite detail and infused with spiritual significance, this magnificent statue depicts Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the revered founder of Bhutanese identity and the unifier of the nation. Originating from Nepal, a land steeped in Buddhist tradition and masterful artistry, this representation captures the profound wisdom and compassionate presence of a pivotal figure in Tibetan Buddhism. The statue, rendered in copper and richly gilded with gold, radiates an aura of sacredness and prosperity. The lustrous gold finish accentuates the serene expression and dignified posture of Zhabdrung Rinpoche, inviting contemplation and devotion. His countenance, with finely painted eyes and a gentle smile, speaks of profound inner peace and unwavering resolve. He is adorned in ornate robes, the folds and details meticulously sculpted to convey the texture and weight of traditional monastic attire. The intricate golden embroidery on his garments signifies his high spiritual attainment and the blessings he bestows upon his followers.

A Symbol of Unity and Spiritual Legacy

Zhabdrung Rinpoche (1594-1651) is a towering figure in Bhutanese history, revered as a national hero and the embodiment of spiritual and temporal authority. He is credited with establishing the Drukpa Kagyu school as the dominant religious tradition in Bhutan and laying the foundations for the country's unique cultural identity. Legend has it that when Zhabdrung Rinpoche first arrived in Bhutan from Tibet, he brought with him a powerful divine energy, a force that helped him overcome obstacles and unite the warring valleys. His teachings and the unique system of governance he established, known as the dual system of Chhos-sid (religion and politics), shaped Bhutan into the sovereign nation it is today. The posture of Zhabdrung Rinpoche in the statue, seated in a meditative stance with one hand gently extended, often signifies his benevolence and readiness to offer protection and guidance. This gesture, known as the *abhaya mudra* (gesture of fearlessness) in some Buddhist traditions, or a gesture of giving and blessing, serves as a powerful reminder of his enduring spiritual presence and his commitment to the well-being of all sentient beings. The elaborate throne upon which he sits, detailed with traditional motifs, further elevates his sacred status, symbolizing his elevated position in the spiritual hierarchy and his connection to the earth. This statue is not merely an object of art; it is a conduit to the profound spiritual legacy of Zhabdrung Rinpoche, a testament to his impact on a nation, and an invitation to connect with his timeless wisdom and blessings.

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.