Padmasambhava,
the "lotus-born guru" famously known as Guru Rinpoche, epitomizes the
quintessential Tantric guide. Statues of Padmasambhava portray the awakened mentor, the Vajra
Guru, a constant source of guidance, inspiration, and encouragement across time
and space.
He is renowned
for his role in converting challenges into opportunities and transforming inner
and outer "demons" into allies of The Dharma. His legacy involves
establishing Buddhism
in Tibet, earning him the reputation of a revered Buddhist yogi, magician,
and shaman. His influence resonates in his ability to guide and empower
practitioners on their spiritual paths.
The Glorious Embodiment of Padmasambhava
This magnificent statue captures the revered figure of Guru Padmasambhava, also known as the "Lotus-Born," a pivotal figure in Tibetan Buddhism. Crafted from copper with a rich, gleaming gold finish, this piece exudes an aura of divine presence and profound spiritual energy. The intricate detailing, from the serene yet commanding expression on his face to the flowing robes adorned with exquisite patterns, speaks to the masterful artistry of Nepalese artisans.
Padmasambhava is traditionally credited with establishing Buddhism in Tibet in the 8th century. Legend has it that he was born from a lotus flower in the Dhanakosha lake in present-day Swat Valley, Pakistan. His arrival in Tibet was prophesied, and he played a crucial role in subduing hostile spirits and demonesses that obstructed the spread of Dharma, transforming them into protectors of the faith. This statue, with its commanding posture and symbolic regalia, is a testament to his power and compassion.
––––––––––Symbolism and Iconography
The posture of Padmasambhava in this sculpture is significant. He is depicted in a relaxed yet alert seated position, signifying his mastery over the worldly realm while remaining detached. His left hand holds a skull-cup, a potent symbol of the transmutation of the grossest negative forces into wisdom. The right hand, extended in a gesture of blessing or teaching, conveys his benevolence and wisdom.
Held aloft in his right hand is his signature ritual implement, the *khatvanga*, a staff adorned with a trident at the top. The trident symbolizes the triumph over the three poisons: ignorance, attachment, and aversion. The presence of the *khatvanga* further emphasizes his role as a protector and vanquisher of obstacles on the spiritual path. The adornments on the statue, including his elaborate crown and flowing braided hair, are characteristic of depictions of Padmasambhava, showcasing his royal lineage and his spiritual authority.
––––––––––A Masterpiece of Craftsmanship
This substantial 18-inch statue is more than just a religious icon; it is a work of art that embodies centuries of spiritual tradition and artistic excellence. The use of copper as a base material ensures its durability and longevity, while the generous application of gold creates a luminous and awe-inspiring finish. Each curve, each fold of fabric, and every facial nuance has been meticulously rendered, reflecting the deep devotion and skilled hands that brought this divine image to life. The lotus-shaped base, a symbol of purity and enlightenment, provides a stable and elegant foundation for the deity.
Owning this statue is an opportunity to connect with the profound teachings and protective blessings of Guru Padmasambhava. It serves as a constant reminder of the path to spiritual liberation and the transformative power of Buddhist wisdom. This exquisite piece is ideal for personal altars, meditation spaces, or as a distinguished addition to any collection of Buddhist art, bringing a sense of peace, protection, and spiritual aspiration into your home.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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