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19" Tibetan Buddhist Deity - Manjushri Statue from Nepal

$2273.25
$3031
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The 19" Tibetan Buddhist Deity - Manjushri statue from Nepal, skillfully crafted from copper and adorned with gold plating, depicts the divine figure in all its magnificence. Manjushri is portrayed in the dharma chakra mudra, symbolizing the turning of the wheel of wisdom. The intricate iconography of the statue showcases Manjushri holding a sword representing insight and a sacred text signifying transcendental wisdom. This exquisite masterpiece not only captivates with its artistic beauty but also serves as a profound symbol of enlightenment, knowledge, and the pursuit of spiritual awakening.

Specifications
MIS716
COPPER WITH GOLD PLATED
Height: 19 inch
Width: 14 inch
Depth: 9 inch
Weight 8.60 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 Embodiment of Wisdom: A Golden Manjushri

This magnificent statue depicts Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom in Mahayana Buddhism, radiating an aura of serene power and profound insight. Crafted in Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual tradition, this exquisite piece is made of copper and lavishly gilded with gold, its surface shimmering with an ethereal glow. The sheer artistry and meticulous detail speak to the devotion and skill of the artisans who brought this divine form to life. Manjushri is revered as the embodiment of all the Buddhas' wisdom. His name itself, derived from Sanskrit, translates to "Gentle Glory." In Buddhist cosmology, he is often depicted as a young prince, symbolizing the fresh, untarnished nature of true wisdom, accessible to all who earnestly seek it. Legends tell of Manjushri appearing in dreams and visions to guide practitioners, dispelling ignorance and confusion with the clarity of his teachings. He is also known as the Lord of the Lotus, for the lotus flower he often holds signifies purity and enlightenment, unstained by the muddy waters of worldly existence.

Symbolism of Form and Gesture

The posture of the statue is characteristic of serene contemplation, seated in a comfortable cross-legged position upon a multi-layered lotus throne, a symbol of purity and spiritual ascent. His right hand is raised, holding aloft a flaming sword. This iconic attribute represents the "sword of wisdom," which cuts through the darkness of ignorance, delusion, and attachment. It is said to sever the roots of suffering and dispel the clouds of misunderstanding that obscure the true nature of reality. The flames emanating from the sword symbolize the transformative and illuminating power of wisdom, burning away impurities. In his left hand, Manjushri cradles a lotus flower, from which unfurls a palm-leaf manuscript. This represents the wisdom of the Dharma, the teachings of the Buddha. The manuscript symbolizes the profound scriptures and the intellectual understanding that arises from diligent study and contemplation. His serene facial expression, with downcast eyes and a gentle smile, conveys compassion and equanimity. The intricate crown and ornaments adorning his head are indicative of his princely status and the manifold blessings he bestows. The detailed ornamentation on his body, including necklaces, armbands, and bracelets, further enhances the regal and divine quality of the figure. The subtle green accents on his attire add a touch of natural vitality to the golden radiance.

A Beacon of Enlightenment

This 19-inch statue is more than just a beautiful object; it is a tangible representation of the aspiration for wisdom and enlightenment. In Tibetan Buddhism, Manjushri is invoked by students and scholars alike to enhance their intellect, sharpen their memory, and cultivate discerning insight. He is the patron deity of logic, debate, and philosophical understanding. His presence is believed to inspire clarity of thought, promote rapid learning, and guide individuals towards making wise and compassionate decisions. To gaze upon this statue is to be reminded of the power of knowledge to overcome obstacles and to lead a life of purpose and understanding. This Neplese-crafted masterpiece serves as a powerful focal point for meditation, study, or as an inspiring adornment for any sacred space, inviting the wisdom of Manjushri into one's life.

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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