8" Buddhist Diety - Set of Five Lamas From Nepal
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MADE IN INDIA.

8" Buddhist Diety - Set of Five Lamas From Nepal

$4260.75
$5681
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes

Lama- “the heavy one” in Nepalese and Tibetan Buddhism is the spiritual master of a sect within Buddhist culture, followed and preceded by other teachers who together form the tradition of great teachers. These Lamas are linked to each other by their devotion to dhamma and revered by their followers for gaining merit and enlightening the path to awakening. Here we have five gilded copper Nepalese statues of Lamas on individual two-tiered platforms, wearing the traditional garb of monks, in the state of disseminating knowledge.

Specifications
MIU517
COPPER GILDED WITH GOLD
Height: 8 inch
Width: 4.5 inch
Depth: 6 inch
Weight 13.50 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.

A Luminary Ensemble: Gilded Figures of Wisdom and Compassion

Behold this exquisite set of five gilded copper statues, each a testament to the profound artistry and spiritual depth of Tibetan Buddhism. Hailing from Nepal, a land steeped in centuries of devotion and craftsmanship, these figures radiate a luminous aura, their surfaces shimmering with the richness of pure gold. Each statue, meticulously crafted by skilled artisans, captures the serene countenance and dignified posture of revered Lamas, spiritual masters who have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of enlightenment and the dissemination of the Dharma.

A Glimpse into the Sacred Pantheon

While the specific identities of these five Lamas may vary depending on the lineage and tradition they represent, their collective presence evokes the essence of spiritual guidance and the path to liberation. In Tibetan Buddhism, the presence of multiple enlightened masters serves as a powerful reminder of the vastness of wisdom and the diverse manifestations of compassion. It is said that the Buddha himself, in his infinite wisdom, appeared in numerous forms to guide beings according to their capacity to understand. These statues, therefore, can be seen as embodying different facets of the enlightened mind, offering solace, inspiration, and a tangible connection to the spiritual lineage. The intricate detailing on their robes and the serene expressions on their faces are not mere ornamentation, but rather symbolic representations of their deep meditation, profound understanding, and boundless love for all sentient beings.

The Gilded Path to Enlightenment

The generous gilding with gold is not simply for aesthetic appeal; gold holds immense spiritual significance in many traditions, symbolizing purity, divinity, and incorruptibility. In the context of Buddhist art, gold represents the radiant nature of enlightenment itself, the unblemished wisdom that shines forth from an awakened mind. The process of gilding is often accompanied by sacred rituals and blessings, infusing the statues with spiritual energy. The warm, inviting glow of the gold serves to uplift the spirit and draw the practitioner into a state of contemplation. These statues are more than just decorative objects; they are conduits of spiritual power, inviting a sense of peace and reverence into any space they inhabit. Their presence can transform an environment into a sanctuary, fostering mindfulness and encouraging a deeper connection to the spiritual path.

Craftsmanship from the Roof of the World

Crafted in Nepal, a country that serves as a bridge between the spiritual traditions of India and Tibet, these statues are products of a living artistic heritage. Nepalese artisans have long been revered for their ability to imbue their creations with profound spiritual meaning and exquisite beauty. The techniques used in their creation have been passed down through generations, ensuring a level of quality and authenticity that is truly remarkable. The copper base provides a sturdy foundation, while the meticulously applied gold leaf captures every nuance of the sculptors' skill. Owning these statues is not just acquiring a beautiful object, but also connecting with a lineage of spiritual artistry that has enriched the world for centuries. They are a tangible piece of this rich cultural and spiritual tapestry, ready to bring their blessings and wisdom into your home or meditation space.

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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