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15" Manjushri Copper Statue from Nepal | Buddhist Deity Idols

$1537.50
$2050
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Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, wields a profound symbolism. His right hand firmly grasps the Prajna khadga, also known as the Sword of Wisdom, a potent instrument believed to dispel the obscurity of ignorance with its radiant emanations.

 

In his left hand, Manjushri delicately holds the stem of a lotus, atop which rests the Prajnaparamita, the Great Wisdom Sutra. This sacred scripture, adorning the lotus, serves as a profound representation of wisdom in its purest form, akin to the immaculate lotus. The double-edged flaming sword in his right hand signifies the keenness of wisdom, capable of slicing through the veils of illusion.

 

Draped in princely silks and adorned with regal jewels, the red Manjushri, seated in a cross-legged posture upon a lotus-flower throne, epitomizes the embodiment of wisdom.

Specifications
MIT002
Copper with Gold Plated
Height: 15 inch
Width: 12 inch
Depth: 6 inch
Weight 4.70 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 Bodhisattva of Wisdom: An Embodiment of Enlightenment

Behold this magnificent copper statue, a resplendent depiction of Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. Crafted in Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual heritage and artistic tradition, this piece is more than just an idol; it is a tangible representation of profound wisdom, a symbol of insight that cuts through ignorance and delusion. Manjushri, often depicted as a youthful prince, embodies the intellectual and spiritual enlightenment sought by all sentient beings on the path to Buddhahood. His very name, "Manjushri," is derived from the Sanskrit words "Manju" (lovely, gentle) and "Shri" (glory, prosperity), signifying the radiant beauty and auspiciousness of wisdom. ––––––––––

A Vision of Radiance and Power

This exquisite statue captures Manjushri in a dynamic posture, radiating a potent aura of divine presence. His face, adorned with serene yet piercing eyes and delicately rendered lips, conveys both compassion and an unyielding resolve. The intricate details of his golden-plated visage, contrasted with the rich, reddish-brown hue of his copper body, speak of masterful craftsmanship. He is richly ornamented with flowing golden garments, necklaces, and bracelets, each embellishment hinting at the celestial nature of this enlightened being. The iconic sword he brandishes in his raised right hand symbolizes the sharp edge of wisdom, capable of severing the illusions of ignorance and the chains of suffering. In his left hand, he holds the stem of a lotus flower, a universal symbol of purity and spiritual awakening, symbolizing the blossoming of insight from the muddy waters of samsara. ––––––––––

The Symbolism of the Sword and Lotus

The iconography of Manjushri is rich with meaning. The sword, often referred to as the "sword of wisdom," is not meant for physical combat but for the eradication of spiritual darkness. It is the sharp intellect that discerns truth from falsehood, reality from illusion. The lotus, unfurling petals of purity, represents the unfolding of enlightenment. It grows from the depths of delusion but remains untainted, just as wisdom can arise within the world without being defiled by its imperfections. Manjushri's presence is a constant reminder that the path to liberation lies within the cultivation of profound understanding and the diligent practice of insight. His association with the Prajnaparamita Sutras, the "Perfection of Wisdom" scriptures, further solidifies his role as the embodiment of this transformative knowledge. ––––––––––

A Testament to Nepalese Artistry

This statue is a remarkable testament to the enduring artistic traditions of Nepal, a region that has served as a crucible for Buddhist art and philosophy for centuries. The meticulous attention to detail, from the finely sculpted facial features to the elaborate patterns adorning his attire and the lotus throne upon which he sits, reflects the dedication and skill of the artisans. The use of copper, a noble metal, combined with the radiant gold plating, imbues the sculpture with a sense of preciousness and timeless beauty. This piece is not merely an object of veneration but a work of art that can grace any sacred space or collection, bringing with it the spiritual resonance and aesthetic splendor of the Himalayan Buddhist tradition. Displaying this Manjushri statue serves as a constant inspiration, inviting contemplation and the aspiration towards profound wisdom.

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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