16" Manjushri Copper Idol | Nepalese Copper Statue

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MADE IN INDIA.

16" Manjushri Copper Idol | Nepalese Copper Statue

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Name: 16" Manjushri Copper Idol | Nepalese Copper Statue
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: CAA098
Price: 1875.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$1758

$2344

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Only 1 available

Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of profound awareness, stands as a disciple of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni. He embodies intelligence, wisdom, and realization, ranking among the most revered Bodhisattvas alongside Avalokitesvara. His name means “Gentle Glory” in Sanskrit. Portrayed wielding the sword of wisdom and light in his right hand, Manjusri signifies his profound insight that cuts through ignorance and misconceptions. His left hand cradles a lotus stem, positioned in the vitarka mudra of teaching. This lotus extends gracefully towards his right ear. Adorned upon this lotus known as the Prajnaparamita, symbolizing his attainment of ultimate realization and enlightenment.

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Specifications

	CAA098
	Copper With Gold
	Height: 16 inch
	Width: 12 inch
	Depth: 7 inch
	Weight 6.10 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 Wisdom's Edge

Behold the radiant form of Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, captured in this exquisite Nepalese copper statue. Cast with meticulous artistry from lustrous copper and lavishly gilded, this divine representation embodies the potent force of enlightened intellect. Manjushri, often depicted as youthful and vibrant, is the celestial patron of learning, debate, and the cutting insight that dispels ignorance. His presence is a beacon of clarity, guiding practitioners through the labyrinth of delusion towards liberation.

Iconography of Enlightenment

This masterful depiction showcases Manjushri in his characteristic seated posture, a posture of serene stability and profound contemplation. In his right hand, he brandishes a flaming sword, the "sword of wisdom," which severs the veils of ignorance and misunderstanding, illuminating the path of truth. This formidable weapon symbolizes the sharp discernment required to cut through superficial appearances and grasp the ultimate nature of reality. In his left hand, he holds the stem of a lotus flower, upon which rests the Prajnaparamita Sutra, the "Perfection of Wisdom" scripture. This duality signifies the harmonious union of knowledge and its practical application, the understanding of profound truths and their embodiment in action. His serene countenance, adorned with intricate jewelry and a multi-tiered crown, radiates compassion and unwavering focus. The upturned lotus throne upon which he rests signifies his purity and transcendence, floating effortlessly above the mundane.

A Legacy of Sacred Art

Crafted in the heart of Nepal, a land steeped in Buddhist tradition and artistic heritage, this statue is a testament to centuries of skilled craftsmanship. The techniques employed by Nepalese artisans in metal casting, particularly in copper and its intricate gilding, are renowned worldwide. Each detail, from the delicate rendering of his robes to the expressive features of his face, speaks of a deep spiritual connection and an unwavering dedication to capturing the divine essence of the deity. The use of copper, a sacred metal in many traditions, further enhances the spiritual resonance of the idol, symbolizing purity and conductivity for spiritual energy. The warm, golden hue of the gilding adds an aura of opulence and celestial radiance, making this a truly breathtaking centerpiece for any altar or sacred space.

Symbolism and Devotion

Manjushri is a pivotal figure in Mahayana Buddhism, revered by monks, scholars, and lay devotees alike. His chants and mantras are believed to enhance intelligence, memory, and eloquence, aiding in the pursuit of spiritual understanding and the development of wisdom. Tales abound of his intervention in the lives of devotees, dispelling doubts and offering profound insights. This statue serves not merely as an object of art, but as a potent symbol and a focal point for meditation and devotion. Its presence invites contemplation on the nature of wisdom, the importance of learning, and the power of enlightened understanding to transform oneself and the world.

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.