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19" Tsongkhapa (Set of 3) from Nepal

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Name: 19" Tsongkhapa (Set of 3) from Nepal
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: MIS714
Price: 3965.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$3717

$4956

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Only 1 available

One of the most prominent figures in the Vajrayana branch of Buddhism, Tsongkhopa’s name translates to “the man from the valley of onions”. Hailing from Tibet, he went on to spread vast teachings in several schools taking up, philosophy, tantra, logic, hermeneutics, and so on. Made in solid copper - these idols have Tsongkhopa as the central piece sitting in a meditative pose, accompanied by his two disciples Tashi Palden and Shakya Yeshey, who carried his legacy on for years later. Plated in stunning gold - this set embodies the complete realization of Dharmakirti.

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Specifications

	MIS714
	COPPER WITH GOLD PLATED
	Height: 19 inch
	Width: 17 inch
	Depth: 17 inch
	Weight 21.10 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 6 days
	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

The Enlightenment of Je Tsongkhapa

This exquisite set of three statues embodies the profound spiritual presence of Je Tsongkhapa, a revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism, celebrated for his scholarship and the establishment of the Gelug school. Crafted with meticulous artistry in Nepal, these figures are fashioned from copper and enhanced with rich gold plating, imbuing them with a radiant aura befitting their spiritual significance. The commanding size of these statues ensures they become a focal point in any sacred space, a testament to the enduring power of wisdom and compassion.

A Revered Luminary of Tibetan Buddhism

Je Tsongkhapa, born in the Amdo region of Tibet in 1357, rose to become one of the most influential Buddhist masters in history. His commentaries and teachings revitalized monastic discipline and scholastic rigor, laying the foundation for a golden age of Buddhist learning. He is credited with synthesizing various Buddhist traditions and emphasizing the integrated path of study, meditation, and ethical conduct. His legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of Tibetan culture, and his statues are venerated as symbols of his enlightened wisdom, guiding practitioners towards spiritual liberation. The distinctive pointed yellow hat, a hallmark of the Gelug school, is prominently featured, symbolizing his supreme understanding and his role as a spiritual leader.

Artistry and Symbolism

Each statue captures Je Tsongkhapa in a serene and contemplative posture, seated in a meditative pose upon a beautifully rendered lotus base. The lotus, a universal symbol in Buddhism, represents purity, enlightenment, and spiritual growth, emerging unstained from muddy waters. The hands are often depicted in the prayerful gesture of *Anjali Mudra*, signifying reverence and the union of wisdom and method. The intricate details of his monastic robes, with their varied textures and colors, speak to the rich visual language of Tibetan Buddhist art. The warm glow of the gold plating, contrasted with the darker tones of the copper, creates a striking visual appeal that draws the viewer into contemplation. These statues are not merely decorative objects but are considered powerful conduits of spiritual energy and blessings.

A Legacy of Wisdom and Compassion

The presence of these statues serves as a constant reminder of the path to enlightenment, emphasizing the importance of diligent study, profound meditation, and the cultivation of boundless compassion. Je Tsongkhapa's teachings have guided countless individuals on their spiritual journeys, and these finely crafted representations serve to perpetuate his wisdom and inspire devotion. They are ideal for altars, meditation rooms, or as significant gifts for those seeking spiritual solace and guidance. Their enduring beauty and profound symbolism make them a treasured addition to any collection dedicated to the study and practice of Buddhist philosophy.

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.