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25" Buddha Idol Seated on Ornament Throne From Nepal

$4181.25
$5575
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A massive golden platform, adorned by two elephants who symbolize wisdom and royalty, the Buddha is enthroned on a lotus seat, accompanied by two of his dearest followers- Sariputra and Mudgalayayana. The two of them as well as Tathagata are draped in glistening robes. Sitting under a parasol and sized larger than his two followers, the Buddha is presented as the primary subject of this Nepalese statue, which is a visual remembrance of the enlightened wisdom of the Buddha and the spread of his wise words by his students. 

Specifications
NLH049
Copper With Gold
Height: 25 inch
Width: 21 inch
Depth: 10.5 inch
Weight 17.10 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 6 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 Vision of Enlightenment: The Golden Buddha of Compassion

This magnificent statue captures the serene essence of the Buddha, seated in a posture of profound meditation and wisdom. Crafted from radiant copper and meticulously gilded with gold, its surface gleams with an inner light, reflecting the purity and enlightenment of the subject. The Buddha's face is a picture of tranquil contemplation, with downcast eyes conveying a deep sense of peace and compassion for all beings. His urna, a swirl of hair between his eyebrows, is said to possess supernatural sight, capable of seeing the entirety of the universe. The intricate detailing extends to his monastic robes, which fall in graceful folds, hinting at the humility and renunciation that characterize the path to awakening. He sits upon a richly ornamented throne, a multi-tiered lotus pedestal symbolizing spiritual purity and ascension. The lotus, a sacred flower in many Eastern traditions, blooms from muddy waters yet remains unstained, mirroring the Buddha's ability to transcend worldly suffering and attain enlightenment. The throne itself is a masterpiece of Nepalese artistry, adorned with auspicious symbols and motifs that further enhance its divine aura. Accompanying the central figure are two attendant disciples, often identified as Sariputra and Maudgalyayana, two of the Buddha's most prominent disciples. They stand in respectful adoration, each holding a symbolic object. The disciple on the left holds a staff topped with a jewel, possibly representing the Dharma, the Buddha's teachings, or the relic of a Buddha. The disciple on the right holds a bowl, perhaps a begging bowl signifying the monastic life of detachment, or a vessel for blessings. Their presence underscores the importance of community and lineage in the dissemination of Buddhist philosophy.

The Auspicious Throne and Heavenly Canopy

The throne upon which the Buddha is seated is a testament to the divine realm. The layers of the pedestal, adorned with stylized elephants and floral motifs, speak of the strength and beauty of the enlightened path. Elephants, revered in many cultures, symbolize wisdom, strength, and royalty. Above the Buddha, a resplendent canopy rises, intricately carved and painted with vibrant colors. This is not merely decorative but represents the celestial sphere, the heavens from which the Buddha's teachings descended. The swirling, ornamental elements suggest the clouds and cosmic energies that surround and support the enlightened one. The multi-colored embellishments on the aureole behind the Buddha's head further evoke the vibrancy of the spiritual realm and the myriad manifestations of enlightenment. This exceptional piece, originating from Nepal, a land steeped in Buddhist tradition, is more than just an idol; it is a conduit for peace, a source of inspiration, and a beautiful representation of the timeless wisdom of Buddhism. Its presence can bring a sense of serenity and spiritual depth to any space, inviting contemplation and a connection to the profound teachings of the Great Awakened One. The golden hue imbues the sculpture with an aura of divinity and prosperity, reminiscent of ancient temples and sacred monasteries where such artistry flourished. ––––––––––––––––––

A Legacy of Craftsmanship from the Himalayas

Nepal, often referred to as the "Land of Gods," has a rich and ancient tradition of religious art, particularly in the creation of Buddhist sculptures. For centuries, artisans in this region have honed their skills, passing down techniques from generation to generation. This statue is a prime example of that enduring heritage. The meticulous attention to detail, the harmonious proportions, and the sublime expression on the Buddha's face are hallmarks of Nepalese craftsmanship. The use of copper as a base material provides durability and a perfect surface for the subsequent gilding with gold, a precious metal that elevates the sacredness and aesthetic appeal of the artwork. The entire composition is a celebration of spiritual devotion and artistic mastery, designed to inspire awe and reverence in all who behold it.

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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