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19" Manjushri Copper Statue | Sculpture from Nepal

$1889.25
$2519
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Unveil the embodiment of supreme wisdom through our exquisite statue of Bodhisattva Manjushri. His name translates to “gentle or sweet glory” in Sanskrit. This Nepalese masterpiece captures his divine essence with unparalleled grace and precision. With his flaming sword and the enlightening Vitarka Mudra (a gesture of discussion and transmission of Buddhist teaching), Manjushri radiates wisdom that transcends time and space. Resting upon the lotus throne, Manjushri's presence commands attention. His benevolent countenance, adorned with a golden slip, is crowned by a resplendent Nepalese crown reflecting his profound spiritual wealth.

Specifications
CAA054
Copper With Gold
Height: 19 inch
Width: 13 inch
Depth: 7.5 inch
Weight 7.50 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.

Embodiment of Wisdom and Illumination

This magnificent statue portrays Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, in a captivating posture that speaks of profound knowledge and spiritual clarity. Crafted from copper with a rich golden finish, this exquisite piece hails from the artisanal heartland of Nepal, a land steeped in Buddhist tradition and artistic excellence. Manjushri, often depicted as a youthful prince, embodies the illuminating wisdom that cuts through ignorance and delusion, much like the sharp, celestial sword he brandishes in his right hand. This symbolic weapon is not meant for physical combat, but rather to sever the chains of misconception and illusion that bind sentient beings to suffering. ––––––––––––––––––––

Iconography and Meaning

In Buddhist lore, Manjushri is considered the embodiment of all the wisdom of all the Buddhas. He is the patron of the intellect, the guardian of scripture, and the dispeller of darkness. His presence is invoked to sharpen the mind, enhance learning, and foster clear understanding. The lotus flower, held gracefully in his left hand, symbolizes purity and enlightenment – a reminder that even amidst the mud of samsara, one can blossom into spiritual awakening. The serene yet determined expression on his face, coupled with the intricate details of his royal ornaments and flowing robes, signifies his celestial nature and his compassion for all beings seeking truth. The elaborate crown adorning his head further emphasizes his princely status and his supreme role as the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. ––––––––––––––––––––

Artistic Mastery from Nepal

The creation of this statue is a testament to the unparalleled skill of Nepalese artisans. Each curve, each etched detail, reflects generations of dedication to the craft of Buddhist iconography. The use of copper, a material known for its durability and malleability, allows for intricate sculpting, while the application of gold imbues the statue with a divine aura, reflecting the luminosity of wisdom itself. The posture, known as *vajraparyankasana* or the diamond pose, signifies steadfastness and an unwavering foundation in spiritual practice. The swirling decorative elements at the base and sides add a dynamic quality, suggesting the constant flow of knowledge and the ever-present support of compassionate energy. This statue is more than just an object of art; it is a powerful conduit for spiritual contemplation and a beautiful representation of the path to enlightenment.

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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