A
supremely artistic and spiritually rich vision, this Nepalese statue of
Vajrapani is magnificent in detailing and effect on the onlooker. The wielder
of the Vajra stands lunging inside a fiery aureole, in a blue-skinned form,
which represents the expansiveness of Vajrapani. The attributes of this
Nepalese statue- flying brocade scarf and tiger hide attire, the posture of
Vajrapani, and his expressions are filled with dynamism beyond words.
Meticulously painted, this is a powerful manifestation of the sacred and potent
benevolence of the guardian deity.
Embodying Celestial Power
This magnificent statue captures the formidable presence of Vajrapani, a powerful Bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism, often revered as the embodiment of the Buddha's power. His name, "Diamond Scepter," hints at his role as a protector, wielding the vajra, a symbol of irresistible force and spiritual enlightenment. In many traditions, Vajrapani is considered the counterpart to Lord Indra, the king of the gods and deity of rain and thunder, emphasizing his dominion over the elements and his role in bringing forth life-giving precipitation. This striking representation, crafted from opulent copper and adorned with exquisite gold accents, radiates an aura of divine energy and unwavering protection.A Fiery Aura of Protection
The dynamic posture of Vajrapani, poised and ready for action, is amplified by the vibrant, flame-like aureole that surrounds him. These fiery halos, rendered in vivid reds and oranges with golden highlights, symbolize the transformative and purifying power of spiritual wisdom. The flames represent the burning away of ignorance and negativities, leaving behind clarity and enlightenment. This visual motif echoes ancient myths and legends where divine beings are often depicted surrounded by celestial fire, signifying their supreme power and divine origin. Vajrapani's fierce expression, with his third eye open, signifies his profound insight and his ability to perceive truths beyond ordinary sight.Symbolism and Divine Attributes
Every element of this sculpture is imbued with deep symbolic meaning. Vajrapani is often depicted with a wrathful demeanor, not out of anger, but to signify his fierce determination to overcome obstacles and protect sentient beings from suffering. His blue skin is associated with the primordial element of space and the boundless expanse of the mind. Adorned with various ornaments, including garlands of skulls and serpents, he represents his mastery over life, death, and the forces of delusion. The vajra held aloft in his right hand is a potent symbol of unshakeable truth and the diamond-like clarity of enlightenment. The serene yet potent energy emanating from this deity serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for strength and resilience within all beings.Artistry and Craftsmanship
This impressive statue is a testament to the exceptional artistry and dedication of Nepalese craftspeople. The intricate details, from the delicate rendering of the facial features and the muscular physique to the elaborate embellishments on his attire and the base, showcase a profound understanding of Buddhist iconography and a mastery of metalwork. The application of gold not only enhances the visual richness but also signifies the sacred and precious nature of the deity. Standing at an imposing height, this piece is designed to be a commanding presence, inspiring reverence and contemplation in any space it graces. Its substantial form and luminous finish make it a truly remarkable objet d'art, suitable for a shrine, a meditation space, or as a focal point in a collection.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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