The lotus-born Guru or Padmasambhava in Nepalese Buddhism is the embodiment of a teacher’s benevolence, which enlightens the path of a follower, leading them to Buddha’s spiritual heaven. Padmasambhava is presented in this gilded copper Nepalese statue dressed ethnically, and seated on a lotus seat which represents enlightenment. The Vajra in his hand is the symbol of the means to supreme wisdom, the cup with nectar represents the essence of human life, and the staff with three human heads signifies youth, decay, and death which are inevitable realities of life.
The Embodiment of Wisdom and Compassion
This magnificent statue, meticulously crafted in Nepal, depicts Guru Padmasambhava, a figure of immense spiritual significance in Tibetan Buddhism. Known as the "Lotus-Born," Padmasambhava is revered as the second Buddha, instrumental in bringing Buddhism to Tibet in the 8th century. His arrival was prophesied by the Buddha himself, and he is said to have emerged from a lotus flower in the lake of Dhanakosha. This profound origin story imbues him with an aura of divine power and cosmic wisdom.A Vision of Golden Radiance
The statue is a breathtaking testament to the artisan's skill, rendered in copper and richly gilded with gold. The lustrous gold finish evokes the radiant presence of this enlightened master, radiating warmth and spiritual energy. Padmasambhava is depicted seated in the meditative posture, his hands holding a vajra and a kapala, symbolic of his mastery over all phenomena and his ability to transform negativities. His serene expression, adorned with finely detailed features, conveys a deep sense of peace and profound understanding. The elaborate robes, a striking crimson hue and intricately patterned with gold, reflect the rich artistic traditions of the Himalayan region.
––––––––––––––––––––Symbols of Power and Enlightenment
The regalia adorning Padmasambhava speaks volumes about his spiritual authority. His five-pointed crown symbolizes the five dhyani buddhas, representing the five wisdoms that overcome the five poisons of the mind. The ornaments, including earrings and bracelets, signify his renunciation of worldly attachments while acknowledging the beauty and impermanence of existence. In his right hand, he holds aloft a dorje, a ritualistic implement symbolizing indestructibility and skillful means. In his left, he cradles a skull cup filled with nectar, representing the elixir of life and the overcoming of death. The stylized flames emanating from his shoulder are indicative of his spiritual dynamism and his ability to purify and transform negative energies.
This large-scale representation of Guru Padmasambhava is more than just a statue; it is an invitation to connect with a lineage of profound wisdom and a powerful presence that has guided countless beings toward enlightenment. Its presence can transform any space into a sanctuary of peace and spiritual aspiration, serving as a constant reminder of the potential for awakening within us all.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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