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46" Large Buddhist Deity Manjushri Copper Idol from Nepal

$9093.75
$12,125
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 This nearly 4 feet high gilded copper statue of Bodhisattva Manjushri is brimming with a colorful aura, which is the best way in which an artist can underline the brilliance of the Bodhisattva, who is the embodiment of enlightened wisdom. The flaming sword in Manjushri’s hand which has the Vajra motif on it is a powerful symbol in Nepal, where the Bodhisattva is believed to have cut through a lake to make the Nepal Valley livable. Celebrating the powerful benevolence of Manjushri, the artist from Nepal has created this masterpiece. 

Specifications
MIS684
COPPER
Height: 46 inch
Width: 31 inch
Depth: 24 inch
Weight 55.60 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 Bodhisattva of Wisdom and Enlightenment

This magnificent, commanding copper idol depicts Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, whose name itself translates to "Gentle Glory." Revered throughout Mahayana Buddhism, Manjushri is the embodiment of transcendental knowledge and the dispeller of ignorance. He is often invoked by students, scholars, and anyone seeking clarity and insight. The serene yet powerful expression of this statue captures Manjushri's compassionate nature and his unwavering commitment to guiding sentient beings towards enlightenment. His posture, a seated meditative pose, signifies deep contemplation and inner peace. In Buddhist iconography, Manjushri is typically depicted holding a flaming sword in his right hand, symbolizing the piercing of ignorance and illusion, and a scripture in his left, representing the profound wisdom of the Buddha. This exceptional piece from Nepal masterfully renders these attributes, with the sword poised to cut through darkness and the open palm of his left hand offering blessings and protection. The intricate details, from the delicate ornamentation of his crown to the flowing robes that adorn his form, speak to the skill and devotion of the artisans who crafted this divine image. ––––––––––––––––––––

A Symbol of Divine Insight and Artistic Excellence

The vibrant and detailed aura (prabhamandala) that encircles Manjushri is a testament to the rich artistic traditions of Nepal. This intricate backdrop, often seen in Buddhist art, represents the radiant halo of enlightenment and the cosmic energy that surrounds a divine being. The masterful use of vibrant colors and complex patterns in this aura signifies the multifaceted nature of wisdom, encompassing understanding, discernment, and the ability to see the true nature of reality. The statue itself, wrought from high-quality copper, possesses a lustrous sheen that is further enhanced by traditional Nepalese painting techniques. The colors are rich and symbolic: gold often represents enlightenment and purity, while blues and reds signify compassion and life force, respectively. The presence of Manjushri is believed to bring intellectual prowess, clarity of thought, and the courage to overcome obstacles rooted in delusion. His lore is vast; he is said to have been born from the crown protrusion of the Buddha, signifying his supreme wisdom. Tales abound of his interventions, guiding individuals and entire communities through periods of darkness and confusion. Possessing such a significant representation of Manjushri is not merely an act of acquiring an artwork; it is an invitation to cultivate wisdom, foster intellectual curiosity, and embrace the path to spiritual understanding within one's own life. This large-scale idol serves as a powerful focal point for meditation and a constant reminder of the boundless potential of the enlightened mind.

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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