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20" Guru Padmasambhava From Nepal

$2976.75
$3969
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Guru Padmasambhava in Nepalese Buddhism, especially for the Gelugpa sect is arguably the most popular and revered figure in the region. The gilded copper Nepalese statue of Padmasambhava envisions him in the garb of a traveler, with shoes, a robe, and a skull cap whose earflaps turn upward, due to the gushing winds of the mountainous region. On the reverse of the statue, ethnic patterns on Padmasambhava’s robes and the Vajra mark on his seat along with the trimly delineated tresses of the master speak for the mastery of the sculptor. 

Specifications
MIU279
COPPER GILDED WITH GOLD
Height: 20 inch
Width: 14 inch
Depth: 10 inch
Weight 7.80 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 15 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.

A Beacon of Enlightenment

This magnificent statue captures the powerful presence of Guru Padmasambhava, the revered Lotus-Born master who is credited with bringing Buddhism to Tibet. Crafted with exquisite detail from copper and generously gilded with gold, this sculpture radiates an aura of divine presence and profound wisdom. The vibrant gold finish, meticulously applied, imbues the statue with a celestial glow, reflecting the transformative power of Padmasambhava's teachings.

Embodying Spiritual Authority

The depiction of Padmasambhava is one of immense spiritual authority and compassion. He is seated in a meditative posture, a symbol of his mastery over the mind and the external world. His serene yet commanding expression, accentuated by his piercing blue eyes and neatly groomed mustache, conveys deep wisdom and unwavering resolve. Adorned in ornate robes, intricately patterned with delicate designs, the sculpture showcases the artistry and devotion poured into its creation. The vibrant red and gold crown atop his head signifies his royal lineage and his role as a sovereign teacher, while the turquoise and ruby accents further enhance his regal bearing and the symbolic richness of the piece.

Symbols of Power and Protection

In his right hand, Padmasambhava holds the Vajra, a thunderbolt scepter representing indestructibility and the power of enlightened awareness, capable of cutting through ignorance and delusion. In his left hand, he holds a Kapala, a skull cup, symbolizing the transcendence of the ego and the understanding of impermanence. The presence of the Kapala is a reminder of the teachings on emptiness and the ultimate nature of reality. The staff he carries, topped with a trishula (trident), signifies his victory over the three poisons of greed, hatred, and ignorance, and his ability to subdue negative forces.

A Legacy from the Himalayas

Hailing from Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual traditions and home to some of the most sacred Buddhist sites, this statue carries the echoes of centuries of devotion. Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, is a central figure in Tibetan Buddhism, revered for his magical feats and his role in taming local deities and spirits, transforming them into protectors of the Dharma. His arrival in Tibet in the 8th century marked a pivotal moment, ushering in an era of profound spiritual development. This sculpture serves as a tangible connection to that rich history and the enduring legacy of this extraordinary master.

A Masterpiece of Craftsmanship

The intricate detailing of this statue, from the folds of the robes to the delicate ornamentation, speaks volumes about the skill of the Nepalese artisans. The copper base provides a sturdy foundation, intricately carved with lotus motifs and auspicious patterns, symbolizing purity and spiritual awakening. The entire piece is a testament to the enduring tradition of sacred art in the Himalayan region, designed to inspire contemplation and foster a deeper connection with the spiritual path. Possessing this golden representation of Guru Padmasambhava is to invite a powerful presence of wisdom, protection, and spiritual guidance into your sacred space.

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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