Guru
Padmasambhava is also known as Guru Rinpoche (a Buddhist Tantric Vajra Master). The
figure sits on a moon disc with a Lotus hat and a piercing gaze. The right-hand
holds the Vajra and the left hand holds the skull cup while the Trident rests
on the left shoulder. Guru Padmasambhava (the Precious Guru) was one of the
first Buddhist Tantric Vajras to teach Vajrayana. He is also said to be the one
who introduced Buddhism to Tibet. With the help of his 25 disciples and 108
translators, Guru Padmasambhava translated many Buddhist texts into Tibetan.
The project took him a long time to finish but his dedication earned him the
title of ‘the Vajrayana Buddha’. He refuted the public’s negative image of
tantra.
The Embodiment of Enlightenment
This magnificent statue depicts Guru Padmasambhava, a revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism, known as the "Lotus-Born" master. His advent in Tibet in the 8th century is a pivotal moment in the history of Buddhism in the region, marking the beginning of the Nyingma school. Legend states that Guru Rinpoche, as he is affectionately known, was miraculously born from a lotus flower in the Dhanakosha Lake in the kingdom of Uddiyana. He is credited with subduing demonic forces that obstructed the spread of the Dharma and establishing Buddhist monasteries, thereby bringing enlightenment to the land. This exquisite artwork captures his profound wisdom, immense compassion, and unwavering power.
––––––––––A Masterpiece of Nepalese Craftsmanship
Crafted from copper and adorned with rich gold accents, this 16-inch idol is a testament to the unparalleled artistry of Nepalese artisans. Guru Padmasambhava is depicted seated gracefully on an intricately ornamented throne, symbolizing his regal status as a spiritual sovereign. His serene countenance, adorned with a benevolent smile and piercing eyes, invites contemplation and devotion. His robes are rendered with remarkable detail, flowing with a sense of dynamism and life. The vibrant colors and elaborate patterns not only enhance the visual appeal but also carry symbolic meanings, representing the multifaceted nature of his teachings and the richness of the spiritual path.
––––––––––Symbolism and Sacred Presence
In his right hand, Guru Padmasambhava holds a vajra (thunderbolt sceptre), the emblem of indestructible wisdom and method, often seen piercing through ignorance and illusion. In his left hand, he cradles a skull-cup, representing the transformation of negative emotions and the understanding of impermanence. This posture, coupled with his serene expression, signifies his mastery over the cycles of birth and death, and his ability to guide beings towards liberation. The detailed ornamentation of the throne further adds to the sacred aura, often depicting motifs of lotus flowers, which symbolize purity and spiritual awakening, and precious jewels, signifying the inexhaustible treasures of wisdom and compassion. This statue, a blend of aesthetic beauty and profound spiritual significance, serves as a powerful focal point for meditation, prayer, and a constant reminder of the Guru's timeless teachings.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.
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