Step into the presence of White Tara, a revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism embodying compassion, longevity, and tranquility. Cloaked in a pure white radiance, she emanates a nurturing and maternal energy, symbolizing the epitome of enlightened motherhood.
White Tara in a state of serene meditation, adorned with seen eyes on her face, palms, and soles, symbolizing her watchful care over all sentient beings. The sacred mantra “Om Tare Tuttare Ture Mama Ayuh Punya Jnana Pustim Kuru Svaha” resonates, inviting blessings of longevity and well-being.
As a Bodhisattva, White Tara’s compassionate embrace reaches out to those seeking solace, healing, and protection. Her serene visage and graceful form make White Tara an enduring source of inspiration and devotion for practitioners navigating the path of enlightenment.
Embodiment of Compassion and Longevity
This exquisite statue, meticulously crafted in Nepal, depicts the revered White Tara, a celestial goddess celebrated for her boundless compassion, longevity, and ability to overcome obstacles. Rendered in radiant copper gilded with gold, this piece emanates a divine aura, inviting contemplation and spiritual connection. The serene expression of White Tara, with her half-closed eyes and gentle smile, conveys a profound sense of peace and wisdom. Her posture, seated in the meditative lotus position atop an ornate pedestal, signifies inner balance and spiritual enlightenment.
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Symbolism and Divine Attributes
White Tara, often referred to as the "Mother of all Buddhas," is a manifestation of the compassionate activity of all Buddhas. Her white color symbolizes purity, her seven eyes (three on the forehead, two on the palms of her hands, and two on the soles of her feet) represent her vigilant gaze over all sentient beings, and her posture with the right hand extended in the boon-granting gesture (varada mudra) and the left hand holding a lotus flower (symbolizing purity and enlightenment) further emphasizes her benevolent nature. She is believed to grant long life, protection from fear, and swift assistance to those who call upon her. In Buddhist lore, it is said that when Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, shed a tear for the suffering of the world, White Tara arose from a lotus flower blooming from that tear, embodying the tears of compassion. This statue captures the essence of that powerful origin story, presenting her as an accessible deity offering solace and guidance.
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Artistry and Cultural Significance
The artistry of this statue is a testament to the rich tradition of Nepalese Buddhist art. The use of copper, a durable and resonant metal, provides a strong foundation for the intricate details. The gilding with gold not only enhances the visual splendor but also symbolizes the divine nature of the deity. The intricate crown and jewelry adorning White Tara are characteristic of the regal depiction of goddesses in Himalayan Buddhism. The decorative motifs on the pedestal, often incorporating lotus patterns and stylized forms, further underscore the sacredness of the piece. Each element is a deliberate choice, reflecting centuries of spiritual practice and artistic evolution. Possessing this statue is more than acquiring an object of beauty; it is to welcome a powerful symbol of divine protection and nurturing energy into your space, connecting you to the profound spiritual heritage of Nepal.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.
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