In Vajrayana, Heruka is the extension of the wrath of
Akshobhaya and represents the ultimate bliss of enlightenment. In this gilded
copper icon of Heruka, he is presented in his Vishwarupa, or cosmic form, in
union with his consort, Vajrayogini. In this form, Heruka is also known as
Hevajra. The multiple-faced and multiple-armed Vishwarupa is haloed by
magnificent serpent hoods intertwined to represent infinity, raging fires of
wisdom, and peaceful clouds. On an intricate lotus platform, the mighty Heruka or
Hevarja stands blessing the devotee.
An Embodiment of Cosmic Energy and Enlightenment
Behold, a breathtaking representation of profound spiritual significance, this monumental sculpture captures the awe-inspiring Vishwarupa of Heruka in Yab Yum. Crafted with meticulous detail by master artisans in Nepal, this piece transcends mere artistry to become a conduit for divine energy and a focal point for deep contemplation. The sheer scale and intricate rendering of this deity's multifaceted form are designed to evoke a powerful sense of the infinite and the boundless nature of consciousness.The Heruka in Union: A Symbol of Transcendence
Heruka, a wrathful deity in tantric Buddhism, is a manifestation of awakened energy, symbolizing the overcoming of ignorance and delusion. His union with his consort, known as Yab Yum, represents the inseparable nature of wisdom and compassion, emptiness and form, and the ultimate realization of non-duality. This divine embrace signifies the complete transcendence of all dualistic concepts, a state of profound bliss and liberation. The multitude of heads and arms symbolize the deity's omnipresence and his ability to perceive and act in all directions simultaneously, aiding all sentient beings on their path to enlightenment.A Celestial Spectacle of Divine Iconography
The sculpture is a visual symphony of divine iconography. The vibrant colors and dynamic forms that frame the central figures evoke a celestial aura. The backdrop is adorned with stylized flames, representing the transformative power of wisdom that burns away ignorance, and auspicious clouds, symbolizing the boundless expanse of the spiritual realm. Intertwined serpents, often associated with kundalini energy and cosmic cycles in various Eastern traditions, ascend upwards, further enhancing the mystical narrative. The intricate details, from the fierce expressions of the multiple faces to the delicate rendering of each hand, speak to the immense skill and devotion poured into its creation. The rich patina, achieved through the masterful application of copper with gold, imbues the entire sculpture with a radiant glow, suggesting an otherworldly luminescence.Artistry Rooted in Tradition
Each element of this masterpiece is steeped in the rich artistic and spiritual heritage of Nepal. The tradition of crafting such elaborate thangkas and sculptures has been passed down through generations, preserving ancient techniques and iconography. This particular piece, standing as a testament to the apex of this artistic lineage, is not just an object of devotion but a significant cultural artifact. It embodies the deep spiritual insights and artistic prowess that have flourished in the Himalayan region for centuries, offering viewers a glimpse into a profound cosmology. The choice of copper with gold is not merely aesthetic; it signifies purity, radiance, and the incorruptible nature of the awakened mind. This substantial piece is an exceptional addition to any sacred space or discerning collection, inviting reverence and inspiring spiritual aspiration.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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