Chakravartin-
the sovereign monarch, is a theme associated in Buddhism with Buddha
Shakyamuni. Buddha is revered as the supreme ruler, possessing all the markers of a great king, an idea manifested in this large crowned Buddha statue.
Sitting under a royal umbrella, surrounded by mythical creatures such as
Garuda, Nagakanya, dragons, mountain lions, and demigods, Shakyamuni glows like
the Sun in the center of the Universe. A mind-blowing amount of detailing has
been given to his ornamentation, attire, throne, and visage, which together
fills the heart with reverence.
A Vision of Enlightenment: The Crowned Shakyamuni Buddha
Behold a truly magnificent representation of the Awakened One, a testament to the profound artistry and spiritual devotion of Nepal. This commanding statue depicts Shakyamuni Buddha, the historical figure who attained enlightenment and founded Buddhism, adorned as a celestial prince, a portrayal that symbolizes his royal lineage and the universality of his teachings. Seated in the serene lotus posture, his face radiates an aura of peace, wisdom, and boundless compassion, inviting contemplation and inner calm. The intricate details of his robes, the delicate lines of his hands, and the gentle smile etched upon his lips speak of masterful craftsmanship, honed over generations.
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The Majestic Throne and Auspicious Adornments
The Buddha is presented upon an elaborately constructed throne, a multi-tiered platform that elevates him to a position of supreme reverence. This throne is a visual symphony of spiritual symbolism. The base is adorned with vibrant motifs and auspicious creatures, such as the mythical snow lion, a protector in Tibetan Buddhism, symbolizing strength and fearlessness. The throne itself is a cascade of golden ornamentation, inlaid with precious stones and intricate carvings that tell stories of devotion and enlightenment. A resplendent aureole, a halo of divine light, forms a breathtaking backdrop, further emphasizing the Buddha's sacred presence. Within this radiant aureole, scenes depicting the life and teachings of the Buddha and other deities come alive, each element meticulously rendered to inspire awe and spiritual connection. This grand presentation underscores the Buddha's triumph over ignorance and suffering, offering a powerful visual narrative of spiritual liberation.
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A Legacy of Sacred Artistry
Crafted from substantial copper and lavishly plated with gold, this idol is not merely a statue but a sacred vessel imbued with spiritual energy. The lustrous gold finish, characteristic of Nepalese Buddhist art, reflects the divine radiance of the Buddha and symbolizes purity, enlightenment, and eternal truth. The traditions of metal casting and gilding in Nepal are ancient and deeply rooted in spiritual practice, with artisans meticulously following age-old techniques to create works of profound beauty and spiritual significance. From the intricate facial features to the smallest decorative element on the throne, every aspect of this masterpiece is a testament to the skill, dedication, and reverence of the artists who brought it to life. Owning such a piece connects one to a rich cultural heritage and offers a tangible link to the timeless wisdom of Buddhism, a beacon of peace and understanding for the world.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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