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.

4" Small Lord Shakyamuni Buddha Copper Statue

$164.25
$219
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Only 1 available

Shakyamuni Buddha is depicted with specific hand gestures and postures that hold deep symbolic meaning. His right hand is in the Bhumisparsha mudra, also known as the "earth-touching" mudra, signifying his victory over Mara and his enlightenment at Bodhgaya. His left-hand holds a pindapatra, a traditional alms bowl used by monks for collecting food offerings.

 

He maintains a straight back, keeps the shoulders straight, focuses the eyes on the tip of the nose, and has the lips and jaw in a naturally relaxed position. It is also seen that Shakyamuni Buddha's two prominent disciples, Shariputra and Maudgalyayana, are positioned to the right and left of his throne when viewed from the Buddha's perspective. These disciples played significant roles in the spread of Buddhist teachings and are often featured alongside the Buddha in Northern Buddhist art.

Specifications
MIS877
Copper
Height: 4.5 inch
Width: 3 inch
Depth: 1 inch
Weight 300 gm
Delivery and Return Policies
Ships in 1-3 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 Venerable Representation of Enlightenment

This exquisite copper statue depicts Lord Shakyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, in a serene and contemplative pose. Crafted with remarkable detail, the statue captures the essence of profound peace and spiritual awakening. The central figure of the Buddha is seated cross-legged on a lotus pedestal, a symbol of purity and spiritual elevation, with his right hand resting on his knee in the Earth-touching gesture, or Bhumisparsha Mudra. This mudra signifies his triumph over the temptations of Mara and his attainment of enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The arched backdrop is adorned with intricate ornamentation, reminiscent of ancient temple architecture. Flanking the central Buddha are two smaller figures. The presence of these figures, along with the subtle decorative motifs that suggest auspicious creatures, points to the rich symbolic language prevalent in Buddhist iconography. In Buddhist lore, such scenes often represent the pantheon of enlightened beings and protectors who witness and support the path to liberation. The overall composition evokes a sense of sacred space, inviting reflection and devotion.

Craftsmanship and Cultural Significance

The use of copper for this statue is traditional in Himalayan Buddhist art, valued for its malleability and its ability to retain fine detail. The patina that has developed over time adds a layer of depth and antiquity, lending the piece a sense of history and spiritual gravitas. Copper is often associated with vitality and the sun, further enhancing the sacred aura of the representation. Nepal has long been a vibrant center for Buddhist art, producing many of the finest statues that grace temples and monasteries across the world. This particular piece reflects the skilled artistry and deep spiritual devotion that characterize Nepalese craftsmanship. The iconography itself is deeply rooted in the narrative of the Buddha's life. Shakyamuni, meaning "the Sage of the Shakyas," was born Prince Siddhartha Gautama in ancient India. After witnessing the suffering of the world, he renounced his princely life in search of truth. Through years of asceticism and meditation, he achieved full enlightenment and became the Buddha, the "awakened one." His teachings, the Dharma, have guided millions towards understanding and liberation from suffering. This statue serves as a tangible reminder of his profound wisdom and compassionate path.

A Sacred Presence for Your Space

This small yet powerful statue is an ideal addition to any meditation corner, altar, or sacred space. Its compact size makes it versatile, allowing it to be placed on a shelf, desk, or mantlepiece. The presence of Lord Shakyamuni Buddha can inspire a sense of calm, mindfulness, and inner peace in your surroundings. As you gaze upon this beautifully crafted piece, you are invited to connect with the timeless principles of compassion, wisdom, and detachment that the Buddha embodied. It is a piece that not only adorns but also elevates, fostering a deeper connection to spiritual practice and contemplation.

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.
Image
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.
Image
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.
Image

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.
Image
Add a review
Have A Question
By continuing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy