The
Goddess
Green Tara Idol from Nepal is a captivating statue that serves as a
protective veil for devotees, shielding them from emotional and physical
obstacles. This Tibetan goddess of healing and longevity is crafted from copper
with exquisite gold plating. Adorned with the mudra of her hand and intricate
iconography, she emanates compassion and grace. The vibrant green color of Tara
symbolizes renewal and growth. She embodies the rejuvenating power of nature,
offering solace and guidance. This statue is a cherished representation of
Green Tara's compassion, inviting devotees to seek her wisdom and find strength
in her divine presence.
Embodiment of Compassion and Enlightenment
This magnificent statue depicts Green Tara, a revered goddess in Tibetan Buddhism, embodying active compassion, wisdom, and liberation from suffering. Crafted from exquisite copper and adorned with opulent gold, this piece is a testament to the rich artistic traditions of Nepal. Standing at eighteen inches tall, it possesses a commanding presence, making it a striking centerpiece for any sacred space or a profound addition to a discerning collection.The Divine Form of Tara
Green Tara is often depicted as a youthful goddess, radiant and serene, seated in the lotus posture with her right leg extended, symbolizing her readiness to spring into action to aid those in need. Her left leg is folded, representing the attainment of enlightenment. The intricate details of this statue capture her benevolent gaze, a gentle smile gracing her lips, and her hands held in mudras that convey her divine attributes. Her right hand is in the *varada mudra*, the gesture of bestowing boons and protection, while her left hand, resting on her knee, holds the stem of a lotus flower, a symbol of purity and the unfolding of enlightenment. The delicate turquoise inlays add a touch of vibrant color, reminiscent of the precious gems that adorn deities in Buddhist cosmology.Tales of Deliverance and Protection
The lore surrounding Tara is vast and inspiring. It is said that Tara emerged from a tear shed by the compassionate Buddha Avalokiteshvara, who wept upon witnessing the suffering in the world. Her appearance was a direct response to his immense sorrow, and she vowed to alleviate all sentient beings' fears and afflictions. She is known as the mother who liberates, and practitioners invoke her name to overcome obstacles, achieve enlightenment, and find refuge from worldly dangers. Many tales speak of her swift interventions, appearing in various forms to protect devotees from serpents, lions, elephants, thieves, and even drowning. Her worship is widespread, offering solace and strength to countless individuals on their spiritual journeys.Artistry from the Himalayas
This statue is meticulously handcrafted by master artisans in Nepal, a land steeped in centuries of spiritual and artistic heritage. The use of copper as the base material provides a durable and malleable medium, while the application of pure gold imbues the sculpture with a divine luminosity and an aura of sacredness. The intricate ornamentation, from the exquisite crown adorned with turquoise to the finely detailed garments and flowing ornaments, showcases the unparalleled skill and devotion of the craftspeople. Each element is thoughtfully rendered, reflecting a deep understanding of Buddhist iconography and the spiritual significance of the deity. This piece is not merely an object of art; it is a conduit of divine energy, an emblem of hope, and a timeless representation of compassion that will enrich any environment it graces.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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