14" Goddess Tara Copper Statue | Nepalese Sculpture

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14" Goddess Tara Copper Statue | Nepalese Sculpture

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Name: 14" Goddess Tara Copper Statue | Nepalese Sculpture
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: CAA101
Price: 1310.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$1507

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Tara, a figure in Vajrayana Buddhism, embodies supreme salvation and mercy, akin to a female bodhisattva. Gracefully poised, her open hand signifies bestowing blessings (varada mudra) upon devotees.

The fully bloomed lotus and golden countenance allude to her as Sitatara, the compassionate “Tara," akin to Avalokiteshvara Padmapani. As a treasured deity across Asian Buddhist communities, Tara holds diverse roles - from sea patron to compassionate feminine bodhisattva, even manifesting as Princess Bhrikuti Devi. Her enigmatic divinity captivates all who encounter her. Scholars trace Tara's origins to Hindu tantric texts and Puranas. In Brahmanic literature, Tara equates to Goddess Durga, as noted by scholar Hirnanda Shastri.

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Specifications

	CAA101
	Copper With Gold
	Height: 14 inch
	Width: 11 inch
	Depth: 6 inch
	Weight 4.60 kg

About the Item

Represents Goddess Tara, a revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism symbolizing compassion and swift action.
Crafted from lustrous copper with a rich gold gilding, emanating a divine aura.
Features a serene expression with intricate details, showcasing skilled craftsmanship.
Depicted seated in a lotus posture, adorned with ornate jewelry and a majestic crown.
One hand holds a lotus flower, symbolizing purity, while the other is in the boon-granting gesture.
Ideal for meditation spaces, home altars, or as a significant piece of Buddhist art decor.

Delivery and Return Policies

	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

The Radiance of Compassion: A Gilded Icon of Tara

This exquisite idol embodies the benevolent presence of Goddess Tara, a revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism and a symbol of compassion, wisdom, and swift action. Crafted from lustrous copper and adorned with a rich layer of gold, this statue emanates a divine aura, bringing a sense of peace and spiritual inspiration to any space. The serene expression, the gentle upward turn of the lips, and the tranquil gaze convey a deep sense of empathy and understanding, inviting devotion and contemplation. The intricate details of this piece are a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of Nepalese artisans. Tara is depicted seated in the traditional lotus posture, her body adorned with ornate jewelry and a majestic crown, each element meticulously rendered. The flowing robes cascade elegantly, hinting at her divine movement and grace. In one hand, she holds a lotus flower, a symbol of purity and enlightenment, while her other hand is raised in the gesture of granting boons, signifying her readiness to alleviate suffering and fulfill virtuous desires. The symbolic elements, from the lotus to the mudras, resonate with centuries of Buddhist tradition. ––––––––––

Mythological Significance and Cultural Resonance

Goddess Tara is one of the most popular deities in the Mahayana Buddhist pantheon, often referred to as the "Mother of Liberation" or the "Star that Leads to Enlightenment." Legend tells that Tara was born from a tear shed by the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara in his grief over the suffering of the world. From this tear, a lotus flower bloomed, and upon it sat a beautiful goddess, radiant with compassion. She vowed to be reborn in forms that could best help sentient beings overcome obstacles and achieve liberation. She is particularly invoked for protection, healing, and the overcoming of fear and obstacles. Her green form, often associated with swift action, is believed to descend from the heavens to aid those in need, embodying her active and protective nature. This golden representation captures her essence as a source of unwavering support and spiritual guidance, a beacon of hope in times of hardship. ––––––––––

A Masterpiece of Nepalese Artistry

This 14-inch statue is more than just a religious artifact; it is a work of art steeped in cultural heritage. The use of copper as the base material, combined with the application of gold, creates a material richness and depth that captures the divine essence of Tara. The polished surface reflects light beautifully, enhancing the statue's luminous quality. Each curve, fold, and embellishment is carefully sculpted, reflecting the profound artistry that has been passed down through generations in Nepal. The decorative patterns on the base and the flowing ornamentation surrounding Tara further emphasize the meticulous attention to detail, making this idol a captivating centerpiece for meditation rooms, altars, or as a statement piece in your home. Its presence is designed to inspire mindfulness, encourage compassion, and foster a connection to the divine, bringing the profound spiritual traditions of Nepal into your sacred space.

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.