Embodiment of Compassion and Enlightenment
This exquisite 9-inch statue captures the essence of Green Tara, a revered bodhisattva in Tibetan Buddhism known for her swift action and compassionate intervention in times of difficulty. Crafted in Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual tradition, this piece is a testament to the artistry and devotion of Nepalese artisans. The statue is meticulously forged from copper and then gilded with pure gold, bestowing upon it a radiant, celestial glow that draws the eye and inspires contemplation.
The Auspicious Vitarka Mudra
Green Tara is depicted here in the Vitarka Mudra, a gesture of teaching, discussion, and the transmission of wisdom. Her right hand is raised, palm facing outward, with the thumb and index finger touching, signifying the flow of enlightened understanding. This pose is believed to dispel doubts and ignorance, offering guidance and clarity to devotees. In Buddhist lore, Tara emerged from a tear shed by the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, a testament to her profound empathy and her mission to alleviate suffering. She is often invoked by those seeking protection, courage, and the overcoming of obstacles, mirroring the stories of her quick and powerful aid.
A Masterpiece of Nepalese Craftsmanship
The intricate details of this statue speak volumes about the skill of its creators. From the delicate ornamentation adorning her crown and jewelry to the serene expression on her face, every element is rendered with precision and reverence. The flowing robes, the serene lotus throne, and the subtle yet powerful symbolism all contribute to a piece that is both aesthetically stunning and spiritually resonant. The gold gilding not only enhances its visual appeal but also symbolizes the purity and enlightenment that Green Tara embodies. This statue serves as a powerful reminder of the universal principles of compassion, wisdom, and the pursuit of liberation, making it a perfect addition to any sacred space or as a meaningful gift for those on a spiritual journey. Its presence can evoke a sense of peace and inspire the practice of mindfulness and benevolent action.Cultural Significance and Spiritual Connection
Green Tara is one of the most popular female deities in Buddhism, particularly in the Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions. She is seen as the embodiment of the active force of compassion, a protector who overcomes fear and adversity. Legends tell of her vow to always be reborn as a female to help sentient beings, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to liberation. Her green color symbolizes her active, swift compassion, much like the quick sprouting of new life. The artistry in this Nepalese creation connects the viewer to a rich cultural heritage and a profound spiritual lineage, inviting a deeper understanding and appreciation of Buddhist philosophy and practice. This statue is not merely an object of beauty, but a conduit for spiritual connection and a focal point for meditation and prayer.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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