8" Guru Gampopa Copper Statue from Nepal

•

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

8" Guru Gampopa Copper Statue from Nepal

Email

Whatsapp

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Copy link

Name: 8" Guru Gampopa Copper Statue from Nepal
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: MIS551
Price: 960.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$900

$1200

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Only 1 available

Guru Gampopa, a prominent disciple of the revered Tibetan yogi Milarepa, holds a significant place in Tibetan Buddhism. He skillfully integrated the Kadampa tradition of Atisha with the profound Mahamudra teachings, giving rise to the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. Renowned for his literary contributions, Guru Gampopa authored the influential text "Jewel Ornament of Liberation."

In visual representations, Guru Gampopa is often depicted donning a distinctive red hat, a symbol closely associated with the Kagyu School. The red hat signifies the lineage and legacy of the Kagyu tradition that he helped establish.His presence serves as an inspiration, encapsulating the fusion of spiritual wisdom and devotion that defines the Kagyu tradition. The depth of his gaze and the grace of his posture reflect the profound impact of his spiritual contributions, guiding countless seekers on the path to enlightenment.

Notify me when this item is available

Specifications

	MIS551
	Copper
	Height: 8 inch
	Width: 7 inch
	Depth: 4 inch
	Weight 1.50 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Ships in 1-3 days
	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

An Embodiment of Wisdom and Compassion

This exquisite copper statue captures the serene presence of Guru Gampopa, a pivotal figure in the Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. Crafted in Nepal, renowned for its masterful artistry and deep spiritual traditions, this piece is more than just an object of devotion; it is a tangible connection to centuries of wisdom and practice. The rich, warm hue of the copper lends a timeless quality to the sculpture, inviting contemplation and reverence. Guru Gampopa, also known as Sönam Rinchen, was a student of the great Tibetan yogi Milarepa and became instrumental in systematizing the teachings and practices of the Dagpo Kagyu school. His emphasis on the union of "method and wisdom" – the integration of skillful means and profound understanding – continues to inspire practitioners today. ––––––––––

Artistic Mastery and Symbolism

The sculptor has meticulously rendered Guru Gampopa in a seated posture of deep meditation. His robes are depicted with graceful folds, showcasing the fluidity of the fabric, and are adorned with intricate, patterned borders that speak to the opulence and detail of traditional Buddhist art. The serene expression on his face, with eyes gently closed or downcast, conveys a profound sense of inner peace and equanimity. In his hands, he cradles what appears to be a jewel or a symbolic offering, often representing the fulfillment of aspirations and the radiance of enlightenment. The overall composition exudes tranquility and spiritual power, making this statue a focal point for any sacred space or meditation room. The choice of copper as the medium further enhances its spiritual significance, as copper is often associated with purification, energy, and the conductivity of divine forces in various spiritual traditions. ––––––––––

A Legacy of Enlightenment

Guru Gampopa's legacy is woven into the very fabric of Tibetan Buddhism. He is credited with establishing the first monastery in the Dagpo region, laying the groundwork for the transmission of the Kagyu teachings through generations of highly realized masters. His seminal work, "The Jewel Ornament of Liberation," is considered a foundational text, systematically explaining the path to enlightenment with clarity and profound insight. This statue serves as a reminder of his invaluable contribution to preserving and propagating the Dharma. Owning such a piece is to welcome into one's life the spirit of devotion, the pursuit of wisdom, and the aspiration for liberation, mirroring the profound journey that Guru Gampopa himself embodied and guided others towards. This Nepalese creation is a testament to the enduring power of spiritual art to connect us with the highest ideals and the wisest of beings.

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.