9" Manjushri Copper Statue | Buddhist Deity Idols from Nepal

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9" Manjushri Copper Statue | Buddhist Deity Idols from Nepal

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Name: 9" Manjushri Copper Statue | Buddhist Deity Idols from Nepal
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: CAA133
Price: 365.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$342

$456

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Only 1 available

Manjushri, akin to Avalokiteshvara, is recognized as a prominent Bodhisattva of elevated stature. Yet, this classification can be misleading, for it stems from Manjushri's ten profound vows, as they await fulfillment. Thus, he intentionally retains his Bodhisattva identity, embracing the path to future Buddhahood.

However, within Tibetan Buddhism, Manjushri takes on a distinct dimension. Known as a fully enlightened Buddha named Yamantaka, which translates to "destroyer of death," he embodies a transformative essence that transcends conventional labels.

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Specifications

	CAA133
	Copper With Gold
	Height: 9.5 inch
	Width: 7 inch
	Depth: 4 inch
	Weight 1.50 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 6 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.

The Bodhisattva of Wisdom and Discernment

This exquisite statue depicts Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. Revered throughout Mahayana Buddhism, Manjushri embodies the Prajnaparamita, or perfection of wisdom, and is considered the patron of scholars and intellectuals. His name translates to "Gentle Glory," reflecting his serene yet powerful presence. According to Buddhist lore, Manjushri attained enlightenment in an instant, demonstrating the transformative power of pure wisdom. He is often depicted as youthful, symbolizing the unblemished nature of true understanding, and sits in the lotus posture, signifying his detachment from the material world.

Iconography and Symbolism

In this magnificent copper and gold rendition, Manjushri is shown holding a flaming sword in his right hand. This iconic attribute symbolizes the cutting edge of wisdom that severs ignorance, delusion, and doubt. The flames represent the purifying and illuminating power of this wisdom, dispelling the darkness of confusion. In his left hand, he holds a blue lotus flower, often associated with the teachings of the Buddha. The lotus, rising unstained from muddy waters, is a potent metaphor for achieving enlightenment amidst the challenges of cyclic existence. The intricate crown and adornments adorning him signify his divine status and the preciousness of the wisdom he represents. The delicate details and skillful craftsmanship of this statue, originating from Nepal, a land steeped in Buddhist tradition, speak to the devotion and artistry of its creators.

A Beacon of Enlightenment

The posture of Manjushri, with one hand raised holding the sword and the other in a gesture of teaching or meditation, invites contemplation. He is the embodiment of awakened insight, guiding sentient beings toward liberation from suffering. Myths tell of Manjushri appearing in dreams or visions to offer profound insights and solutions to seekers of truth. His presence is believed to bring clarity, sharpen the intellect, and inspire spiritual growth. This statue serves not merely as an object of devotion but as a tangible reminder of the path to enlightenment, a beacon of wisdom in our own lives. Its presence can transform any space into a sanctuary for contemplation and inner peace, connecting the viewer to the profound legacy of Buddhist philosophy and art.

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.