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20" Tsongkhapa (Set of 3) from Nepal

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Name: 20" Tsongkhapa (Set of 3) from Nepal
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: MIS764
Price: 5550.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$5203.50

$6938

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Only 1 available

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.

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Specifications

	MIS764
	COPPER WITH GOLD PLATED
	Height: 20 inch
	Width: 17 inch
	Depth: 17 inch
	Weight 17 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 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.