13" Shakyamuni Buddha from Nepal

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Name: 13" Shakyamuni Buddha from Nepal
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: MIU170
Price: 1530.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$1760

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	MIU170
	Copper Gilded with Gold
	Height: 13 inch
	Width: 9 inch
	Depth: 6 inch
	Weight 4.30 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

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Fully Insured

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100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Gilded Beacon of Enlightenment

This exquisite 13-inch statue captures the serene presence of Shakyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, crafted with unparalleled artistry in Nepal. Forged from copper and meticulously gilded with pure gold, the statue radiates a luminous aura, symbolizing the enlightenment and purity of the Buddha's teachings. The rich, warm glow of the gold is a testament to the dedication and skill of the artisans, who have poured their devotion into every detail. ––––––––––––––––––

The Iconography of Serenity

The Buddha is depicted in a meditative pose, seated in the lotus position on an ornate, multi-layered base. His right hand rests gently on his knee, palm facing downwards, in the gesture known as Bhumisparsha Mudra, or the Earth-touching gesture. This pose is deeply significant, recalling the moment when the Buddha, under the Bodhi tree, called upon the Earth goddess to bear witness to his enlightenment, overcoming the temptations of Mara. His left hand cradles a begging bowl, representing his renunciation of worldly possessions and his reliance on alms for sustenance, a reminder of the humility inherent in the spiritual path. His gaze is calm and compassionate, his brow furrowed in deep contemplation, while his lips are softly curved in a gentle smile, conveying a profound sense of peace and wisdom. The intricate detailing on his robes, with flowing patterns and delicate textures, further enhances the statue's visual appeal and its spiritual gravitas. ––––––––––––––––––

A Testament to Nepalese Craftsmanship

Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual heritage and renowned for its mastery of Buddhist art, has produced countless sacred objects over centuries. This statue is a perfect embodiment of that tradition. The subtle nuances in the facial features, the precise curvature of the limbs, and the elaborate adornments all speak to a lineage of artistic excellence passed down through generations. The use of gold gilding not only adds to the aesthetic beauty but also signifies the divine nature of the Buddha and the preciousness of the path to liberation. Such statues are not merely decorative items; they are objects of devotion, intended to inspire contemplation, foster inner peace, and serve as a tangible link to the profound teachings of the Buddha. Placing this statue in your home or meditation space can create an atmosphere of tranquility and mindfulness, inviting the blessings of wisdom and compassion into your 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.