13" Buddhist Shakyamuni Buddha Idol | Copper Statue from Nepal

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13" Buddhist Shakyamuni Buddha Idol | Copper Statue from Nepal

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Name: 13" Buddhist Shakyamuni Buddha Idol | Copper Statue from Nepal
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: MIV953
Price: 420.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$393.75

$525

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Shakyamuni Buddha was both an enlightened teacher and the historical founder of Buddhism. He was born in Lumbini (modern-day Nepal) in the fifth century BCE and later acquired enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India.

Shakyamuni Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path to attain nirvana and cease suffering for the remainder of his life after being enlightened. Buddhism was founded on the teachings of Hind, which were included in the Dharma.

Shakyamuni Buddha is frequently depicted in meditation poses in art, highlighting the meditative aspect of his journey. The Buddha’s life narrative, teachings, and symbols, such as the Dharma wheel and Bodhi tree, continue to inspire millions of followers worldwide

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Specifications

	MIV953
	COPPER GILDED WITH GOLD
	Height: 13 inch
	Width: 8.5 inch
	Depth: 6 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 Beacon of Enlightenment: The Shakyamuni Buddha Statue

This exquisite statue depicts Shakyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, in a posture of profound meditation. Crafted with meticulous artistry in Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual heritage and artistic tradition, this idol is a testament to centuries-old craftsmanship. The figure is cast in copper and then lovingly gilded with genuine gold, imbuing it with a radiant aura that captures the divine essence of the Awakened One. The serene expression on the Buddha's face, with its downcast eyes and gentle smile, invites contemplation and peace. His urna, a curl of hair on his forehead, is a symbol of spiritual insight, and his ushnisha, the cranial protuberance, signifies his supreme wisdom. The rich, deep maroon of his monastic robe is contrasted beautifully with the gleaming gold of his inner garment and the intricate ornamentation that adorns it, highlighting the fusion of material wealth with spiritual richness.

Symbolism and Significance

The posture of the Buddha is significant. Seated in the lotus position, a symbol of purity and spiritual awakening, he rests his left hand in his lap, palm upwards, representing meditation and the accumulation of merit. His right hand is extended downwards, palm facing inwards, with fingertips gently touching the earth. This gesture, known as the Bhumisparsha Mudra or "Earth-Touching Gesture," recalls the moment of the Buddha's enlightenment, when he called upon the Earth goddess, Gaia, as a witness to his resolve against the temptations of Mara, the demon king. It signifies unwavering determination and the grounding of spiritual truth. The lotus flower upon which the Buddha is seated is a powerful symbol in Buddhism, representing purity, rebirth, and the journey from darkness to light. Just as the lotus blooms unsullied from muddy waters, the Buddha rose above worldly desires to achieve enlightenment. The detailed base, reminiscent of a lotus throne, further enhances the spiritual significance of the piece, grounding it in the principles of Buddhist philosophy. This statue is not merely an object of beauty but a conduit for inner peace and spiritual reflection.

Artistry from the Himalayas

Originating from Nepal, a land where Buddhism has flourished for millennia, this statue is a direct descendant of a rich artistic lineage. Nepalese artisans are renowned for their skill in metal casting, employing traditional techniques passed down through generations to create devotional art of unparalleled quality. The intricate details, from the delicate curls of the Buddha's hair to the subtle folds of his robe, showcase the devotion and mastery of the craftsmen who brought this sacred image to life. Owning this statue is to possess a piece of Himalayan cultural heritage, a tangible connection to the profound wisdom and enduring compassion of Shakyamuni Buddha. It serves as a powerful reminder to cultivate inner peace, compassion, and wisdom in one's own life.

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.