Tsongkhapa in Buddhist culture is the establisher of the Gelugpa sect, a
prominent Vajrayana order to which belong the Dalai Lamas. The glistening
golden cap of Tsongkhapa in these Nepalese gilded copper statues is symbolic of
the order he founded, known as the Yellow Hats. The three statues from Nepal
present the teacher in varied states of enlightened existence. One depicts him
with the gesture of turning the wheel of Dhamma, while the other two, show him
teaching the Dhamma, with the Vitarka Mudra and a book.
The Golden Wisdom of Je Tsongkhapa
This magnificent set of three statues, meticulously crafted in Nepal, portrays the esteemed Buddhist master Je Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Each statue is rendered in lustrous copper and finished with a rich gold plating, exuding an aura of divine enlightenment and profound wisdom. The serene expressions, delicate features, and elegant drapery of the robes are a testament to the exceptional skill of the artisans.
Je Tsongkhapa, also known as Losang Drakpa, was a pivotal figure in Tibetan Buddhist history, born in 1357 in the Tsongkha region of Amdo. He revitalized monastic Buddhism, emphasizing rigorous study, ethical conduct, and the integration of sutra and tantra. His teachings, often referred to as the "New Kadampa" tradition, profoundly shaped Tibetan spiritual and intellectual life. He is venerated as the reincarnation of Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, a connection palpable in the serene and knowing countenance of these statues.Symbolism and Iconography
The distinctive pointed yellow hat worn by Tsongkhapa is a significant emblem of his lineage and teachings. This iconic headwear, often referred to as the Pandita hat, signifies his mastery of Buddhist philosophy and his role as a supreme scholar and spiritual leader. The statues often depict him in meditative postures, with hands in specific mudras that convey teachings of compassion and wisdom. The middle statue, for instance, holds a flower or emblem, symbolizing the blossoming of knowledge and enlightenment that Tsongkhapa brought forth. The overall composition of the set, with Tsongkhapa centrally placed and flanked by his representations, emphasizes his multifaceted influence and enduring legacy.A Divine Presence
These statues are more than just artistic representations; they are conduits of spiritual energy and devotion. For practitioners, they serve as focal points for meditation, prayer, and the accumulation of merit. The act of gazing upon these golden forms can inspire mindfulness, compassion, and the pursuit of wisdom, echoing Tsongkhapa's own path. The radiant gold plating symbolizes purity, auspiciousness, and the ultimate enlightened state. The traditional Tibetan Buddhist belief is that such sacred objects not only honor the enlightened beings they represent but also bring blessings and protection to the space they inhabit. This set, created with such reverence and skill in Nepal, offers a tangible connection to the rich tapestry of Buddhist tradition and a powerful reminder of the path to spiritual awakening.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.
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