9" Tibetan Buddhist Deity Manjushri with Sword | Copper Idol from Nepal

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9" Tibetan Buddhist Deity Manjushri with Sword | Copper Idol from Nepal

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Name: 9" Tibetan Buddhist Deity Manjushri with Sword | Copper Idol from Nepal
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: MIV985
Price: 470.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$441

$588

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

In Mahayana Buddhism, Manjushri is honored as the Bodhisattva. Manjushri, the personification of enlightened wisdom, is shown with a blazing sword that slices through ignorance and a text that signifies transcendental knowledge. Manjushri is shown as a young, graceful figure sitting on a lotus throne, dressed in royal regalia. He exemplifies a wisdom that is beyond ordinary comprehension, highlighting the significance of discernment and insight on the spiritual path.

Manjushri is consulted by devotees seeking direction in growing in knowledge, intelligence, and wisdom. He has made it his mission as a Bodhisattva to support every sentient being on their path to enlightenment. Manjushri is revered in many Buddhist traditions, and his teachings encourage followers to develop discernment and mental clarity as they make their way through life's challenges.

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Specifications

	MIV985
	COPPER GILDED WITH GOLD
	Height: 9 inch
	Width: 7 inch
	Depth: 3.5 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.

Embodiment of Wisdom and Enlightenment

This exquisite statue depicts Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom in Mahayana Buddhism. Crafted with meticulous detail from copper and gilded with a radiant layer of gold, this piece embodies spiritual significance and artistic mastery. Manjushri is revered as the one who illuminates darkness with the light of wisdom, cutting through ignorance and delusion with his flaming sword. In Buddhist lore, it is said that the great sage Nagarjuna discovered important Buddhist texts in a hidden reliquary in the Himalayas, guided by Manjushri himself. This deity represents the cutting edge of insight, the power to differentiate between truth and falsehood, and the sharpness of intellect needed to achieve spiritual realization.

Symbolism in Form

The posture of Manjushri, seated in lotus position, signifies profound meditation and inner peace. His raised sword, a symbol of piercing wisdom, is poised to strike down all obstacles to enlightenment, including attachment, anger, and confusion. The lotus flower, often depicted held in his other hand or blooming nearby, represents purity and spiritual awakening, growing unblemished from the muddy waters of existence. The intricate crown and adornments, often studded with precious stones like turquoise and coral, further emphasize his exalted status as a celestial being and a patron of learning and intellect. The presence of the dharma wheel (often depicted in the background or as part of his iconography, though not explicitly visible in this particular image, it is a key attribute of Manjushri) represents the Buddha's teachings, which Manjushri helps to spread.

Nepalese Craftsmanship and Spiritual Heritage

Originating from Nepal, a land rich in Buddhist traditions and artistic heritage, this statue is a testament to the skill of Nepalese artisans. The ancient practice of metal casting in Nepal, particularly with copper and its subsequent gilding, has been passed down through generations, producing works of unparalleled beauty and spiritual resonance. This particular piece, with its detailed facial features, flowing robes, and dynamic pose, showcases the deep understanding of Buddhist iconography and the devotion that imbues each creation. It is a tangible connection to the living spiritual practices and artistic traditions that have flourished in the Himalayan region for centuries, offering a focal point for meditation, contemplation, and inspiration. Owning such a piece is not merely acquiring an artifact, but inviting the blessings and wisdom of Manjushri into your space, fostering clarity, insight, and spiritual growth.

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.