A balance of
four metallic tones, this gilded copper Nepalese Padmasambhava Rinpoche statue
presents the powerful Vajrayana teacher in his most popularly revered form.
Padmasambhava is placed on a Padmasana or lotus seat, which is also considered
to be the source of his origin and a symbol of supreme wisdom in Buddhism. Holding
Vajra (symbol of enlightened knowledge), a pot of Amrita (representing eternal
life), and a staff with three heads from different stages in human life
(underlining the impermanence of life), Padmasambhava in this statue brings to
you invaluable pearls of wisdom.
The Precious Guru: A Radiant Embodiment of Enlightenment
This magnificent statue captures the divine presence of Guru Padmasambhava, also known as the Lotus-Born, a pivotal figure in Tibetan Buddhism. Crafted with exquisite detail from copper and adorned with a lustrous gold plating, this piece is a testament to the artisanal skill and spiritual devotion prevalent in Nepal. The intricate patterns etched into the robes and the vibrant metallic hues evoke a sense of sacred royalty, reflecting the profound spiritual power attributed to the Guru.
Guru Padmasambhava is revered as the second Buddha, instrumental in establishing Buddhism in Tibet in the 8th century. Tales of his miraculous birth from a lotus flower in the Dhanakosha Lake and his subsequent spiritual exploits are deeply embedded in Buddhist lore. He is said to have subdued demons and obstacles, paving the way for the Dharma to flourish. His wisdom and compassion are believed to guide practitioners towards liberation, making him a beloved and powerful deity for millions.
The posture of the statue is serene and meditative, with the Guru seated in a cross-legged position, a symbol of yogic discipline and inner stillness. His hands are adorned with symbolic objects that signify his enlightened nature and powers. In one hand, he holds a vajra, the diamond scepter representing indestructible wisdom and the thunderbolt of enlightenment. In the other, he cradles a skull cup, often depicted filled with nectar or representing the transmutation of negativities into wisdom. The presence of a phurba, a ritualistic dagger, held aloft in his other hand, signifies his ability to cut through ignorance and attachment, dispelling obstacles on the path to enlightenment.Symbolism and Sacred Adornments
The ornamentation of this statue is rich with meaning. The elaborate crown signifies his royal lineage and his dominion over the spiritual realm. The flowing robes, detailed with fine incised work and accented in contrasting metallic tones, speak to the grandeur and majesty of his enlightened state. The serene yet powerful expression on his face, with eyes that gaze with profound insight, invites contemplation and devotion. The base, adorned with the stylized petals of a lotus, represents purity and spiritual awakening, a common symbol in Buddhist iconography signifying that enlightenment can arise even from the mud of worldly existence.
This masterpiece is more than just an object of art; it is a conduit for spiritual connection. Its presence is believed to imbue a space with blessings of wisdom, protection, and spiritual growth. For practitioners, it serves as a focal point for meditation and prayer, a tangible reminder of the Guru's teachings and his unwavering commitment to the well-being of all sentient beings. The craftsmanship itself, imbued with generations of artistic tradition from Nepal, adds a layer of authenticity and sacred energy to this exceptional representation of a revered spiritual master. It is a treasure for any devotee or collector seeking to embrace the profound legacy of Guru Padmasambhava.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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