9" Manjushri Idol from Nepal | Nepalese Copper Statue

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9" Manjushri Idol from Nepal | Nepalese Copper Statue

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Name: 9" Manjushri Idol from Nepal | Nepalese Copper Statue
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: MIS663
Price: 595.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$558

$744

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Only 1 available

Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, wields the Prajna khadga, or Sword of Wisdom, in his hand. This sacred sword is believed to dispel the darkness of ignorance through its radiant rays.

Manjushri is the embodiment of prajna wisdom and frequently appears in the Prajna classics, holding a prestigious place in the Huazang world alongside the Puxian Bodhisattva. She is depicted with his right hand brandishing a double-edged flaming sword, the sword wielded by Manjushri in his hand is known as the Prajna Khadga, often referred to as the Sword of Wisdom. It is believed to have the power to dispel the obscurity of ignorance through the radiant beams it emits. while his left-hand cradles a lotus flower bearing the Prajnaparamita Sutra.

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Specifications

	MIS663
	Copper with Gold Plated
	Height: 9 inch
	Width: 7 inch
	Depth: 4 inch
	Weight 1.80 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 Radiant Wisdom of Manjushri

This exquisite statue from Nepal embodies Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. Crafted from fine copper and adorned with a lustrous gold plating, this piece is a testament to the rich artistic traditions of the region. Manjushri is a pivotal figure in Mahayana Buddhism, revered as the embodiment of transcendent knowledge, intellect, and insight. His name itself, often translated as "Gentle Glory," hints at the serene yet powerful nature of wisdom he represents. ––––––––––––––––––––

Symbolism and Form

The iconography of this Manjushri statue is deeply meaningful. He is depicted seated in a serene posture, his form radiating an aura of calm contemplation. In his right hand, he holds aloft a flaming sword, a potent symbol of his ability to cut through ignorance, delusion, and spiritual darkness. This flaming sword represents the sharp discernment of wisdom, capable of dispelling illusion and revealing the ultimate truth. In his left hand, he holds the stem of a blue lotus flower, which blossoms near his shoulder. The lotus is a universal symbol of purity, enlightenment, and the unfolding of consciousness, signifying that wisdom blooms from a pure and awakened mind. The intricate crown and ornaments adorning Manjushri further signify his noble status as a celestial being and a source of spiritual authority. ––––––––––––––––––––

Artistry and Heritage

This statue is a remarkable example of Nepalese craftsmanship. The use of copper as the base material allows for a durable and resonant form, while the meticulous gold plating imbues the deity with divine radiance and auspiciousness. The skilled artisans have painstakingly detailed every element, from the expressive face of Manjushri to the intricate patterns on his robes and the decorative base. The rich color palette, featuring deep browns, vibrant golds, and subtle silvers, adds depth and visual appeal, creating a captivating masterpiece. Each detail is carefully rendered, reflecting centuries of artistic heritage and spiritual devotion passed down through generations. Owning such a piece is not merely acquiring an object of beauty, but connecting with a profound spiritual lineage and a legacy of artistic excellence.

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.