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30" Shakyamuni Buddha Copper Statue from Nepal

$8212.50
$10,950
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Only 1 available

Copper-sheathed with pristine gold, this Shakyamuni Buddha from Nepal is a spiritual artwork, full of serenity that emanates ceaselessly from it. Adorned with tiny turquoise and coral gemstones, this copper Buddha statue is a marvelous iconography of Buddha in the Bhumisparsha mudra or Earth-touching gesture. Intricate work can be seen on his robe, halo, lotus seat, and coiled hair, while a seamless polish and finish is visible on Buddha’s divine countenance and a heavenly body. 

Specifications
NLH113
Copper With Gold
Height: 30 inch
Width: 20 inch
Depth: 15 inch
Weight 25 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.

The Enlightenment of Shakyamuni Buddha

This magnificent statue captures the serene presence of Shakyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. Crafted from copper and adorned with gold, its substantial size and intricate detailing make it a truly awe-inspiring centerpiece for any sacred space or collection. The Buddha is depicted in a meditative posture, his hands resting gently in his lap, embodying profound peace and wisdom. His serene gaze, with downcast eyes, suggests introspection and compassion for all sentient beings. The Ushnisha, the cranial protuberance symbolizing enlightenment, is a prominent feature, topped with intricately arranged dark hair. The halo behind the Buddha is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, featuring ornate scrollwork and inlaid with vibrant red and blue semi-precious stones. This elaborate aureole represents the divine light radiating from the enlightened one, dispelling ignorance and darkness. The robe, draped elegantly over his left shoulder, is richly embellished with detailed patterns, showcasing the skill of Nepalese artisans. The gold finish enhances the statue's luminescence, imbuing it with a sense of sacredness and preciousness. ––––––––––––––––––

Symbolism and Cultural Significance

Shakyamuni Buddha, born Siddhartha Gautama, achieved enlightenment under the Bodhi tree after years of ascetic practice. His teachings have guided millions towards liberation from suffering. In Buddhist iconography, the posture of the Buddha is highly symbolic. This particular depiction, often referred to as the "calling the Earth to witness" or "Bhumisparsha Mudra," signifies the moment of his ultimate realization. It is said that during his meditation, Mara, the demon of illusion, attempted to disrupt his path to enlightenment. Siddhartha, however, remained steadfast, touching the earth with his right hand to summon the Earth goddess as his witness to his right to attain Buddhahood. The lotus pedestal upon which the Buddha sits is another potent symbol, representing purity, spiritual awakening, and the ability to rise above worldly desires. The multi-layered lotus design further emphasizes the ascending path towards enlightenment. ––––––––––––––––––

Artistry of Nepal

Nepal has a long and revered tradition of creating exquisite Buddhist art, particularly statues. The craftsmanship evident in this statue speaks to centuries of accumulated knowledge and devotion passed down through generations of Newari artists. The meticulous attention to detail, from the fine lines of the facial features to the complex patterns on the robes and halo, reflects a deep understanding of both artistic form and spiritual symbolism. The use of copper as a base metal provides a strong foundation, while the application of gold lends an unparalleled radiance and preciousness, making each piece a treasured artifact. This statue is not merely an object of beauty but a profound embodiment of spiritual ideals, crafted with the skill and reverence befitting its subject.

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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