14" Guru Padmasambhava Idol | Gilded Copper Statue from Nepal

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14" Guru Padmasambhava Idol | Gilded Copper Statue from Nepal

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Name: 14" Guru Padmasambhava Idol | Gilded Copper Statue from Nepal
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: MIV535
Price: 1210.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$1134.75

$1513

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Only 1 available

Padmasambhava or “he who is born from the Padma or lotus” is a potent master of Vajrayana or Tantric Buddhism, revered in Tibet and Nepal as the guru or teacher who brought ideas of Tantra to the regions. Traveling the snow-capped mountains, gathering students and learned men, and compiling the ideas of Buddhism, Padmasambhava represents the pinnacle of a person’s quest for enlightened wisdom. This beautiful copper statue from Nepal with gilding work is dedicated to the great master Padmasambhava, who is attired in traditional garments, with a skull cap worn in the Himalayas, and ornaments to mark his sacred status.

He holds a Khatvanga with heads that display the various stages of the human body (from life to death and decay), the Vajra or thunderbolt (symbolizing enlightened wisdom), and a pot of Amrita or nectar in his hand. His face is enlivened with his curving brows and opened eyes, suggesting his active presence, with which he resides in the icon, prepared to guide his student with his golden light.

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Specifications

	MIV535
	Copper with Gold Plated
	Height: 14 inch
	Width: 9 inch
	Depth: 7 inch
	Weight 5 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 6 days
	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 Embodiment of the Second Buddha

This exquisite statue captures the serene and powerful presence of Guru Padmasambhava, also known as the "Lotus-Born." Revered as the "Second Buddha," Guru Rinpoche is the foundational figure of Vajrayana Buddhism in Tibet, credited with bringing the teachings of tantric Buddhism to the Himalayan region in the 8th century. Crafted in Nepal by skilled artisans, this masterpiece is rendered in gilded copper, a material choice that imbues the deity with an aura of divine radiance and enduring spiritual significance. The artistry displayed in this 14-inch sculpture is testament to centuries of tradition. Guru Padmasambhava is depicted in his characteristic posture, seated gracefully on a lotus throne, symbolizing purity and spiritual awakening. His countenance is serene yet commanding, with finely detailed facial features that convey profound wisdom and compassion. His robes, rendered in rich copper tones, are adorned with intricate golden patterns, reflecting the opulence and sacredness of his enlightened state. The fine gilded details highlight the meticulous craftsmanship, drawing the eye to the divine ornaments and the sacred symbols he holds.

Symbols of Power and Enlightenment

In his left hand, Guru Padmasambhava holds a *phurba*, a ritualistic dagger, symbolizing the subjugation of negative forces and the cutting through of ignorance. In his right hand, he holds a *vajra*, the thunderbolt scepter, representing indestructibility, ultimate truth, and the power to overcome obstacles. The *vajra* is a potent symbol of enlightenment, the unwavering mind, and the skillful means used to guide beings towards liberation. The details of these implements are rendered with precision, adding to the overall spiritual potency of the statue. The throne itself is a work of art, a lotus formation that speaks of spiritual elevation and the blossoming of consciousness. The intricate carvings and the lustrous finish of the gilded copper create a visually stunning representation that is both aesthetically pleasing and deeply meaningful. The traditional Nepali craftsmanship ensures that each detail, from the curl of the hair to the folds of the robes, is imbued with reverence and artistic mastery.

A Gateway to Wisdom and Protection

Having Guru Padmasambhava in your sacred space is believed to invite blessings of wisdom, protection, and spiritual guidance. His presence is said to dispel negativity, overcome obstacles, and foster a deep connection to the teachings of compassion and enlightenment. This magnificent statue serves not only as an object of devotion but also as a beautiful reminder of the profound spiritual heritage that continues to flourish in the Himalayas. It is an heirloom-quality piece that will enrich any spiritual practice or collection for generations to come.

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.