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13" Colorful Manjushri Gilded Copper Statue from Nepal

$1434.75
$1913
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The name Manjushri means "Gentle Glory" or "Sweet Splendour." Manjushri is a young person represented carrying a book (usually the Prajnaparamita Sutra) in one hand and a sword in the other, signifying the combination of wisdom and compassion. His imagery frequently highlights his luminous understanding, which shines on ignorance's darkness.


Manjushri is a prominent figure in Buddhist texts and is linked to several sutras, such as the Prajnaparamita literature. He is also mentioned in the lotus sutra, where he affirms the Buddha's boundless attributes.

Specifications
MIU167
Copper Gilded with Gold
Height: 13 inch
Width: 9 inch
Depth: 7 inch
Weight 3.30 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.

The Embodiment of Wisdom and Enlightenment

This exquisite statue depicts Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, a central figure in Mahayana Buddhism. Revered as the embodiment of perfect wisdom, Manjushri is the celestial teacher who dispels ignorance and guides all beings towards enlightenment. His name itself, "Manjushri," translates to "Gentle Glory," reflecting his serene yet potent nature. In Buddhist mythology, Manjushri is often portrayed as a young prince, representing the inherent purity and freshness of wisdom. He is the patron of scholars and the one who illuminates the minds of those who seek knowledge and understanding.

Symbolism and Iconography

The artistry of this Nepalese creation brings the divine form of Manjushri to life. He is depicted seated gracefully on a lotus throne, a symbol of purity and spiritual growth, emerging unstained from the earthly realm. In his right hand, he brandishes a flaming sword, the brilliant blade of wisdom that cuts through the darkness of ignorance, doubt, and illusion. This powerful weapon represents the ability to discriminate truth from falsehood and to sever the ties of attachment and delusion. In his left hand, he holds the stem of a lotus flower, which blossoms above his left shoulder. This lotus symbolizes the unfolding of his wisdom and the serene beauty of enlightenment. Adorning his head is an intricate crown, signifying his royal status as a prince of the Dharma, and his serene facial expression radiates compassion and profound insight.

Craftsmanship and Material

Masterfully crafted in Nepal, a land steeped in Buddhist tradition and artistic heritage, this statue is meticulously fashioned from copper and lavishly gilded with pure gold. The rich gold patina lends the figure a divine aura, enhancing its spiritual resonance. The vibrant colors adorning the flowing garments and the ornate base further accentuate the statue's beauty and intricate details. Each element, from the delicate adornments to the powerful symbolism, is a testament to the skill of the artisans who have preserved these sacred artistic traditions for generations. This statue is not merely an object of art but a conduit for spiritual connection, an invitation to cultivate wisdom and inner peace within your 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.
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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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