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8" Tibetan Buddhist Deity Vajrapani Statue from Nepal

$585.75
$781
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes

This gilded copper Nepalese statue depicts Vajrapani, the Buddhist vision of Indra, holding the Vajra, a symbol of enlightenment, and the noose, a sign of wisdom's control over the mind, in a dynamic pose. Vajrapani's flaming aureole has been exquisitely presented, and the vibrant red and orange colors used on his flaming hair perfectly convey the light of wisdom that it stands for. Quelling the enemies of Dhamma under his feet and gazing unwaveringly at the devotee, Vajrapani in this form enchants the mind away from the ceaseless movement of the Samsara. 

Specifications
MIU380
COPPER GILDED WITH GOLD
Height: 8 inch
Width: 5.5 inch
Depth: 3.5 inch
Weight 1.10 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 Majestic Vajrapani: Protector of the Dharma

This exquisite statue depicts Vajrapani, a powerful Bodhisattva revered in Tibetan Buddhism as the "Vajra Holder." Known for his fierce energy and unwavering commitment to protecting the Buddha's teachings, Vajrapani embodies the indestructible nature of enlightenment. Crafted from copper and meticulously gilded with gold, this statue captures the divine radiance and formidable presence of this important deity. Vajrapani is one of the three great Bodhisattvas, alongside Manjushri (wisdom) and Avalokiteshvara (compassion). He is particularly associated with the energy of the enlightened mind and is invoked to overcome obstacles, subdue negative forces, and generate spiritual power. In his iconography, Vajrapani is often depicted in a wrathful aspect, symbolizing his ability to destroy ignorance, aversion, and attachment, the root causes of suffering. The dynamic posture and fierce expression of this statue convey his potent protective force. His single vajra (thunderbolt scepter), held in his right hand, symbolizes his mastery over all obstacles and his unwavering strength. The statue's base is adorned with a lotus pedestal, a symbol of purity and spiritual awakening. Vajrapani stands triumphantly over a subjugated figure, representing the vanquishing of negative emotions and demonic forces. This imagery reflects the Buddhist understanding that true liberation comes from overcoming internal hindrances. The flaming aureole behind him signifies his radiant wisdom and the purifying power of his enlightened activity, chasing away darkness and illusion. The tradition of creating such detailed Buddhist art in Nepal stretches back centuries, with artisans drawing inspiration from ancient texts and a deep spiritual heritage. The intricate details, from the flowing robes and powerful musculature to the expressive face and ornate ornamentation, are a testament to the skill and devotion of the craftspeople. The application of gold gilding not only enhances the visual splendor but also symbolizes the transmutation of base metals into pure gold, mirroring the spiritual journey of transforming ordinary consciousness into enlightened awareness. This statue serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for spiritual transformation that lies within all beings. –––––––––––––––––––

A Symbol of Strength and Spiritual Authority

This finely crafted statue of Vajrapani is more than just a beautiful object; it is a potent symbol of spiritual power and protection. Whether placed in a meditation space, a home altar, or as a treasured piece of art, it can serve as a focal point for contemplation and a source of inspiration. Its commanding presence and radiant gold finish evoke a sense of divine energy and resilience. The story of Vajrapani is woven into the fabric of Buddhist history, often depicted as the one who received the lightning bolt from Indra, thus receiving the name Vajrapani. He is also seen as the guardian of the precious teachings, ensuring their preservation and dissemination throughout the world. Possessing this statue is to invite a powerful protector and a profound symbol of enlightenment into your life.

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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