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18" Vajrapani Statue from Nepal | Nepalese Copper Statue

$2067
$2756
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This exquisite sculpture of Vajrapani, the Buddhist equivalent of Indra is presented in this gilded copper Nepalese statue in a dynamic posture. Adorned with intricate ornaments, the flaming aureole around Vajrapani has been delineated with immense beauty, coloured in brilliant red, yellow and orange to capture the light of wisdom it represents. Vajrapani is adorned with his characteristic gaping mouth, sharp nails, enlivened countenance, sharp nails, gaping mouth, and scarf majestically flying around His plump body can inspire individuals on their spiritual journey by reminding them of the importance of courage and compassion. 

Specifications
CAA079
Copper With Gold
Height: 18 inch
Width: 14 inch
Depth: 5 inch
Weight 6 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 Immovable Protector: A Glimpse of Vajrapani

This magnificent statue, crafted with exceptional skill in Nepal, embodies the fierce yet benevolent power of Vajrapani, one of the most significant Bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism. Vajrapani, meaning "Vajra in Hand," is the embodiment of the Buddha's power and the force that dispels all obstacles and delusions. His iconography is rich with symbolism, designed to inspire awe and convey the unwavering strength required to overcome spiritual ignorance and negative forces. The statue portrays Vajrapani in a dynamic posture, knees bent as if poised to leap into action. His countenance is fearsome, with bared teeth and a furrowed brow, reflecting his role as a protector who vanquishes evil. This ferocity is not born of malice but of compassion, a powerful force dedicated to clearing the path for enlightenment. He is often depicted with a third eye, symbolizing his omnipresence and deep insight, capable of seeing through all illusions. The flaming aura that emanates from behind him further accentuates his potent energy, representing the fires of wisdom that consume ignorance.

Craftsmanship and Iconography

Rendered in copper and lavishly adorned with gold, this statue is a testament to the meticulous artistry of Nepalese craftspeople. The intricate detailing on Vajrapani's divine form, from his elaborate crown adorned with skulls and representations of his divine lineage to the cascading necklaces and bracelets, speaks of a deep understanding of Buddhist iconography. Each element is precisely rendered, contributing to the overall power and spiritual resonance of the piece. The vibrant red and gold hues of the flaming aureole are particularly striking, adding a sense of fiery dynamism and celestial majesty. The base upon which he stands is also richly ornamented, featuring traditional motifs that elevate the entire composition, anchoring the divine figure in a sacred space. In Buddhist lore, Vajrapani is often seen as the successor to the thunderbolt of Indra, a powerful symbol of cosmic energy and authority. He is believed to hold the vajra, a symbolic weapon that can shatter ignorance and the forces that hinder spiritual progress. His wrathful aspect is a skillful means to confront and transform negative energies, much like a storm clears the air. Devotees often turn to Vajrapani for protection against inner demons, external dangers, and the complexities of the material world, seeking his unwavering support in their quest for spiritual liberation. This statue, with its commanding presence and exquisite craftsmanship, serves as a powerful reminder of these profound spiritual truths.

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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