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14" Buddhist Deity Vajrasattva Copper Sculpture | Statue from Nepal

$960.75
$1281
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Vajrasattva, a supreme and known figure within Buddhism, stands as an embodiment of the utmost purity inherent in the enlightened mind. He is the central figure and encapsulates the capacity to dispel spiritual impurities in their various forms, particularly addressing neglected commitments to both one's spiritual guide and one's path of development. With a Dorje held close to his heart in his right hand, Vajrasattva signifies his unbreakable and essential nature, akin to the diamond's unshakable solidity. His left hand, resting gracefully on his hip, cradles a bell, an emblem of compassion that complements the diamond-like qualities of his wisdom.

Specifications
CAA200
Copper With Gold
Height: 14.5 inch
Width: 9 inch
Depth: 6.5 inch
Weight 4 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 Quintessential Representation of Purity and Enlightenment

This magnificent 14-inch sculpture from Nepal embodies the profound spiritual significance of Vajrasattva, a central figure in Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism. Crafted with exceptional skill from copper and finished with a lustrous gold plating, this statue is a testament to the rich artistic heritage of the Himalayan region. Vajrasattva is revered as the embodiment of universal purity, wisdom, and the Vajra (diamond) nature of reality. His presence is considered essential for purification practices, offering a path to overcome negative karma and attain enlightenment.

Iconography and Spiritual Significance

The iconography of Vajrasattva is rich with symbolic meaning. He is often depicted in a serene posture, seated in the lotus position on a full-blown lotus seat, signifying purity and transcendence. In one hand, he traditionally holds a vajra (a ritual scepter symbolizing indestructible wisdom and compassion), and in the other, a ghanta (a bell representing the voice of wisdom and the emptiness of phenomena). This particular sculpture, while capturing Vajrasattva's serene demeanor, is adorned with ornate jewelry and a crown, suggesting his celestial nature and the ultimate truth he represents. The intricate detailing on his robes and the base further enhance its aesthetic appeal and spiritual depth. The serene expression on his face, with half-closed eyes, points towards profound introspection and inner peace. In Buddhist lore, Vajrasattva is often invoked in rituals designed to purify the mind and spirit. Legend has it that by contemplating Vajrasattva, practitioners can dissolve obstacles and receive blessings on their spiritual journey.

Artistry and Craftsmanship

Each detail of this sculpture speaks of the meticulous craftsmanship honed over generations in Nepal. The use of copper as a base material provides a robust structure, while the application of gold plating imbues the statue with a divine radiance. The fine carving of the facial features, the delicate rendering of the adornments, and the precise ornamentation of the lotus base all contribute to the statue's exquisite beauty. The dynamic yet balanced posture, combined with the subtle embellishments, creates a piece that is not merely an object of devotion but a work of art that resonates with spiritual energy. This statue is a perfect addition for any practitioner seeking a tangible connection to Vajrasattva's purifying grace or for collectors who appreciate the finest examples of Buddhist art. Its substantial size and exquisite finish make it a commanding presence, suitable for altars, meditation rooms, or as a statement piece in any sacred space.

A Gateway to Inner Transformation

Beyond its artistic merit, this Vajrasattva sculpture serves as a powerful focal point for meditation and prayer. Engaging with the image of Vajrasattva can inspire practitioners to cultivate qualities of purity, compassion, and unwavering determination on the path to awakening. The timeless beauty and profound symbolism of this Nepalese masterpiece offer a tangible connection to the enduring wisdom of Buddhism, inviting contemplation and spiritual growth for all who behold it.

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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