On a glowing
Padmasana or lotus throne that symbolizes the sprouting of wisdom, Shakyamuni-
the great ascetic of the Shakya clan, Buddha is depicted in this gilded copper
statue from Nepal. He is holding an alms bowl in his left hand and his right
hand in the gesture of touching the Earth. He wears a gorgeously sculpted
monk's robe and is infused with signs of perfection. His curled hair is
meticulously delineated, with the Ushnisha (cranial bump) and Urna (mark on the
forehead) symbolising his pure wisdom.
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Bathed in pure
gold, the face of Shakyamuni glows like the Sun, animated with his delicate
eyes, fine nose and gently smiling lips. The eternal youthful quality of
Buddha’s face catches the eye, which is the artwork’s way of conveying his
divine lustrous beauty that never dims.
The Enlightened One
Crafted in Nepal, this stunning statue depicts the Buddha Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha and founder of Buddhism. Meticulously crafted from copper and lavishly gilded with gold, this statue emanates a radiant aura, capturing the essence of enlightenment and peace. This remarkable piece, measuring 13 inches in height, is a tangible representation of spiritual awakening.
Depiction of Shakyamuni
Seated in the lotus position, known as Padmasana, Shakyamuni is depicted with his hands in the Bhumisparsha Mudra, the earth-touching gesture. This mudra commemorates the moment of his enlightenment, when he called upon the Earth to witness his triumph over Mara, the demon of illusion. Mara tempted Siddhartha Gautama (before he became the Buddha) with illusions of power, pleasure, and fear, but Siddhartha remained steadfast, ultimately achieving enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The intricate details of the robe, the serene expression on his face, and the perfectly rendered curls of his hair all contribute to a powerful and compelling portrayal of the Awakened One. The statue rests upon a lotus pedestal, symbolizing purity, spiritual awakening, and detachment from the material world.
Artisanship and Origin
This statue is a testament to the enduring artistic traditions of Nepal. Nepalese artisans have long been renowned for their skill in crafting sacred images, particularly those related to Buddhism and Hinduism. The use of copper, a durable and malleable metal, provides a robust foundation for the statue, while the gold gilding adds a layer of opulence and reverence. The gilding process is a delicate art, requiring meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of traditional techniques. This particular statue reflects the highest standards of Nepalese craftsmanship. The intricate details of the robe, the serene expression on his face, and the perfectly rendered curls of his hair all contribute to a powerful and compelling portrayal of the Awakened One. The statue rests upon a lotus pedestal, symbolizing purity, spiritual awakening, and detachment from the material world.