The White Mahakala is
particularly associated with protection and prosperity. This manifestation of
Mahakala is characterized by his white complexion, three eyes, six hands, and
hair that flames upward. His practice is believed to remove obstacles related
to resource deprivation, enabling practitioners to help sentient beings more
effectively.
White Mahakala's six
arms hold various symbolic objects: in his
right hand, he wields a curved knife, damaru (a small drum), and jewels, while
his left hands hold a knife and a skull cup filled with jewels. He is adorned
with precious gold ornaments and is often depicted standing atop two
elephant-headed figures above a sun disc, symbolizing his auspicious and
powerful nature.
Embodiment of Transcendent Power: The Six-Handed White Mahakala
This magnificent copper statue, meticulously crafted in Nepal, depicts the formidable deity Mahakala in his white form, a powerful protector and dispeller of obstacles. The artistry and spiritual depth conveyed by this sculpture are truly remarkable, making it a significant addition to any collection of Buddhist art. Mahakala, a wrathful emanation of Avalokiteshvara, is revered as a fierce guardian of Buddhist teachings and a force that overcomes ignorance, delusion, and negative influences.Symbolism in Every Detail
The white complexion of Mahakala symbolizes purity and the unobstructed nature of wisdom. His six hands, a striking visual representation of his multifaceted power, each hold significant symbolic objects. These include a ritual staff, a skull cup, a damaru (drum), and a lasso, among others. The dynamic posture and fierce expression are not indicative of malice but rather of an active and uncompromising commitment to eradicating spiritual hindrances. His multiple faces, often three in number, represent the three doors of liberation: emptiness, signlessness, and wishlessness. The swirling flames of the aura surrounding him signify his ability to consume negativity and purify the spiritual realm. This is reminiscent of the fiery wisdom that burns away the darkness of samsara. In some traditions, Mahakala is seen as a manifestation of Shiva's wrath, unleashed to protect the Dharma, reflecting the syncretic nature of some Buddhist practices.A Masterpiece of Nepalese Craftsmanship
Fashioned from high-quality copper, this statue is a testament to the enduring traditions of Nepalese metalwork. The intricate detailing, from the individual strands of his hair to the patterns on his garments, showcases the skill and dedication of the artisans. The vibrant colors used to adorn the statue further enhance its visual impact and symbolic meaning, with gold accents highlighting the divine essence of the deity. The base upon which Mahakala stands is equally elaborate, featuring a lotus design and decorative elements that add to the overall grandeur of the piece. This statue is not merely an object of art but a conduit for spiritual energy, intended to inspire devotion and protection. Its presence is said to invoke the blessings of Mahakala, bringing peace, prosperity, and freedom from fear to its surroundings. It is a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is a force that stands guard, ready to overcome all obstacles.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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