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.

9'' Buddhist Green Tara in Vitarka Mudra | Nepalese Handicrafts

$254.25
$339
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
MIV940
Copper Gilded With Gold
Height: 9 inch
Width: 6 inch
Depth: 4 inch
Weight 1.30 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 15 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.

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.
Image
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.
Image
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.
Image

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.
Image
Add a review
Have A Question
By continuing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy