Standing
Buddha statues are some of the earliest and most awe-inspiring sculptures of
Buddhist art, depicting the Shakya ascetic in the garbs of monastic order,
standing still or in the pose of walking. This copper statue of Buddha presents
him as a Bhikshu or ascetic, who takes on a journey, taking as little as
possible from the people around, and seeking the true wisdom. With a slightly
bent pose, Buddha stands on a lotus pedestal, symbolizing supreme wisdom,
holding an alms bowl in his hand, with serenity on his face.
A Beacon of Serenity from the Himalayas
This exquisite standing Buddha idol, meticulously crafted from copper in Nepal, embodies the profound spiritual heritage of the region. Standing at 6.8 inches tall, it captures the serene presence and compassionate gaze of the enlightened one. The rich patina of the copper speaks of time-honored artistry and the enduring power of devotion. Each detail, from the intricately folded robes to the calm expression, is rendered with masterful precision, inviting contemplation and inner peace.Echoes of Enlightenment
The stance of the Buddha, with one hand gently holding a vessel and the other in a gesture of blessing or alms-giving, is reminiscent of Shakyamuni Buddha's journey towards enlightenment. Legend tells of the Buddha's journey from Prince Siddhartha to the fully awakened one, a path marked by rigorous asceticism and profound meditation. This idol serves as a tangible reminder of his teachings – the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the pursuit of Nirvana. The copper medium itself is significant, often used in Buddhist art for its malleability and its ability to hold heat, symbolizing the warmth and pervasive nature of the Buddha's compassion.A Symbol of Peace and Wisdom
Originating from Nepal, a land deeply steeped in Buddhist traditions and a spiritual crossroads between India and Tibet, this statue carries with it the essence of centuries of practice and artistic development. Nepalese craftsmanship is renowned for its intricate detailing and its ability to infuse spiritual significance into every piece. This Buddha idol is not merely an object of art; it is a conduit for tranquility, a focal point for meditation, and a symbol of the universal quest for wisdom and liberation. Its presence can transform any space into a sanctuary of calm, encouraging mindfulness and fostering a sense of inner harmony. Whether placed in a home altar, a meditation room, or a living space, it radiates an aura of peace that can inspire and uplift all who behold it.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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