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9" Copper Shakyamuni Buddha Statue from Nepal

$966
$1288
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Only 1 available

In the traditional iconography of Nepalese artworks, this copper statue of Shakyamuni- the Shakya ascetic or the Buddha carries a stunning archaic value and profound wisdom. On a square pedestal, the Buddha sits in the Padmasana or meditative pose, adorned with his characteristic features- curled hair, Ushnisha or cranial bump, elongated earlobes, and Cheevara (monk’s garments).

 

In his hand in the Dhyana mudra, placed in his lap, is the alms bowl, a symbol of austerity. His right-hand dangles toward the ground, in the Bhumisparsha mudra or the earth-touching gesture. Crafted in solid metal, the copper statue is permeated by the tranquil presence of the Buddha, meditating upon whom, the follower can find streams of enlightenment within.

Specifications
WSB767
Copper Statue
Height: 9 inch
Width: 6 inch
Depth: 3 inch
Weight 1.30 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 10 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 Embodiment of Enlightenment

This exquisite copper statue depicts Shakyamuni Buddha in his iconic seated posture, a powerful symbol of inner peace and profound wisdom. Crafted with exceptional skill in Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual heritage, this piece captures the serene essence of the Enlightened One. The rich patina of the copper evokes a sense of age and reverence, hinting at the countless generations who have sought solace and inspiration from similar representations of the Buddha. The figure is seated in the lotus position, a posture of perfect balance and concentration, signifying the subjugation of the senses and the attainment of spiritual liberation. His hands are held in the *Dhyana Mudra*, the gesture of meditation, with his right hand resting in his lap and his left hand on top, palms facing upwards. This gesture is often associated with the moment of his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, when he achieved victory over the temptations of Mara. The urna, the spiral of hair on his forehead, symbolizes his all-seeing eye, capable of perceiving the universe in its totality. The ushnisha, the cranial protuberance, represents his spiritual wisdom and enlightenment. The robe, draped elegantly over one shoulder, is adorned with intricate, flowing patterns that speak to the masterful craftsmanship of Nepalese artisans. These subtle details are not merely decorative; they are imbued with symbolic meaning, reflecting the Buddha's renunciation of worldly adornments and his embrace of a life dedicated to spiritual pursuit. The serene expression on his face, with downcast eyes, suggests a deep sense of compassion and understanding for all sentient beings. The statue rests upon a finely carved wooden base, a testament to the complementary artistry that often accompanies such sacred figures. The base itself features decorative motifs that echo the natural world and the cycles of life and rebirth, further enhancing the spiritual aura of the piece. In Buddhist tradition, Shakyamuni Buddha, born Siddhartha Gautama, was a prince who renounced his privileged life to seek the truth and end suffering. His journey led him to profound realization, and he spent the rest of his life teaching the path to enlightenment. He is the historical Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, and his teachings form the foundation of this ancient and revered spiritual path. Bringing this statue into your home is not just acquiring a beautiful object; it is inviting the presence of a spiritual guide, a beacon of peace, and a reminder of the potential for enlightenment within all of us. This piece is a tangible connection to a timeless tradition of seeking and finding inner peace. –––––––––––––––––– This statue is a manifestation of the profound spiritual artistry that has flourished in Nepal for centuries. Nepalese artisans, drawing from a rich lineage of Buddhist iconography, have meticulously shaped this copper figure to embody the very essence of the Buddha. The process of creating such a statue often involves ancient techniques passed down through generations, imbuing each piece with a sacred quality. The selection of copper, a metal revered in many traditions for its conductivity and purifying properties, further enhances the spiritual resonance of this artwork. This statue serves as a focal point for meditation and contemplation, a tangible reminder of the path to awakening, and a beautiful testament to the enduring legacy of Nepalese art and spirituality.

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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