A piece-de-resistance from the rich
tradition of Nepalese statues, this gilded copper Guru Padmasambhava is replete
with mind-blowing detailing and finesse par excellence. The animated frowning
eyes, drooping earlobes under the weight of heavy earrings, the many folds of
the heavy robe, and the perfect fleshiness of the palm- all attributes of the
statue hold a realistic quality, which makes viewing this icon into an
aesthetic experience. The master carries a pot of ambrosia in his palm placed
in a meditative gesture, while his other hand is in the mudra of fearlessness.
The Embodiment of the Second Buddha
This magnificent statue depicts Guru Padmasambhava, a revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism, often referred to as the "Lotus-Born Guru" and the "Second Buddha." Crafted in Nepal from copper and meticulously gilded with gold, this artwork radiates a profound aura of spiritual power and timeless wisdom. Padmasambhava is credited with establishing Buddhism in Tibet in the 8th century, subduing local demons and spirits that obstructed the Dharma, and disseminating tantric teachings. His presence is synonymous with overcoming obstacles, dispelling ignorance, and achieving enlightenment.Symbolism and Iconography
The posture of Padmasambhava is significant. He is depicted seated in a relaxed yet authoritative pose, often with his right leg pendant, symbolizing his readiness to descend and help sentient beings. His left hand rests in his lap, holding a skull-cup filled with nectar of immortality, signifying the overcoming of death and ignorance. In his right hand, he often holds a vajra, the thunderbolt of enlightenment, or a ritual staff topped with a vajra, representing indestructibility and wisdom. The serene yet powerful expression on his face, with his piercing eyes, conveys both compassion and fierce determination against negative forces. The elaborate crown adorned with precious stones and the intricate details of his robes, often embellished with symbolic patterns and celestial motifs, speak to his royal lineage and his divine status. The dark blue of his hair, which often spills out from under his crown, represents his mastery over the elements and the spiritual realm.Artistic Mastery and Cultural Significance
This sculpture is a testament to the exceptional skill of Nepalese artisans, who have honed their craft over centuries. The rich golden hue of the statue symbolizes purity, royalty, and the illuminating power of the Dharma. The use of copper as the base material provides durability and a substantial feel, while the meticulous gold application elevates the artwork to a sacred object of devotion. The detailed ornamentation, from the delicate patterns on his garments to the expressive features of his face, reflects a deep understanding of Buddhist iconography and aesthetic principles. Such statues are not merely decorative items; they are conduits of spiritual energy, serving as focal points for meditation and prayer, inspiring devotees to cultivate wisdom and compassion in their own lives. The tradition of creating such consecrated images dates back to the early days of Buddhism, with artists often undergoing specific rituals and meditative practices to imbue their creations with divine blessings. This particular statue, with its impressive scale and exquisite craftsmanship, would undoubtedly serve as a powerful and inspiring addition to any altar or sacred space, bringing the blessings and wisdom of Guru Padmasambhava into the home.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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