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15" Manjushri Copper Statue from Nepal | Buddhist Deity Idols

$1758
$2344
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Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of wisdom and profound insight possesses the ability to delve into the intrinsic emptiness, universal unity, and the authentic essence of all existence. Manjushri is a male Bodhisattva, who is holding a flaming sword known as the "Vajra Sword of Discriminating Light" in the right hand, symbolizing the razor-sharp nature of Prajna wisdom. In the left hand, Manjushri gracefully wields a fully bloomed lotus flower.

 

The Vajra Sword of Discriminating Light, or Wisdom, is known for its capacity to sever the bonds of ignorance and the entanglements arising from conceptual perspectives. It also signifies the transformative power, akin to a radiant blaze, that this sword embodies. The splendid lotus flower is believed to cradle the Prajnaparamita Sutra, often referred to as the Great Wisdom Sutra, containing the essence of the profound wisdom imparted by Lord Buddha.

Specifications
MIS758
COPPER WITH GOLD PLATED
Height: 15 inch
Width: 12 inch
Depth: 7 inch
Weight 4.50 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.

Embodiment of Wisdom and Enlightenment

This magnificent copper statue, meticulously crafted in Nepal and adorned with a resplendent gold plating, captures the divine essence of Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. Seated serenely on a lotus throne, Manjushri embodies the ultimate understanding and the illumination that dispels ignorance. His posture signifies a state of profound meditation and unwavering focus, inviting viewers into a realm of spiritual contemplation. The intricate details, from the delicate crown adorning his head to the flowing robes, speak of the artistry and devotion poured into its creation.

The Sword of Discernment and the Lotus of Purity

Manjushri is traditionally depicted wielding a flaming sword, a potent symbol of his ability to sever ignorance and delusion. In this striking representation, the sword is held aloft, ready to strike down the shadows of misunderstanding and reveal the clear light of truth. Complementing this formidable attribute, in his left hand, he cradles a blooming lotus flower. This celestial blossom represents the purity of the awakened mind, untainted by worldly desires and imperfections. Together, the sword and the lotus symbolize the dual nature of wisdom: the active cutting away of what is false, and the serene unfolding of what is true and pure.

Cultural Significance and Reverence

Manjushri holds a central place in Mahayana Buddhism, revered as the personification of all knowledge and enlightenment. Legends abound of his boundless compassion and his tireless efforts to guide sentient beings towards liberation. He is often invoked by scholars, artists, and seekers of truth for clarity of thought, eloquence, and the realization of ultimate wisdom. The craftsmanship of this statue, originating from the skilled artisans of Nepal, draws upon centuries of tradition in creating sacred art that resonates with deep spiritual power. The warm glow of the gold plating enhances the divine aura of the Bodhisattva, making it a truly awe-inspiring piece for any altar, meditation space, or collector of sacred art. This statue is not merely an object of beauty, but a conduit to spiritual inspiration and a tangible reminder of the pursuit of wisdom in its purest form.

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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