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9" Vajrasattva Idol from Nepal | Nepalese Copper Figurine

$548.25
$731
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes

The personification of purification and the pure nature of the mind is the Vajrasattva, an eminent figure in Vajrayana Buddhism. Vajrasattva is shown as a white-clad deity, radiant and compassionate, representing clarity and pure awareness.

 

The hundred-syllable mantra, "Om Vajrasattva Hum," is associated with his practice, a potent tool for purifying negativities and transforming the mind. As you meditate on Vajrasattva, feel the cleansing energy, purifying the mind and creating the foundation for spiritual transformation on the path to enlightenment.

 

Vajrasattva holding a vajra (thunderbolt) in his right hand and a bell in his left, symbolizing the union of wisdom and compassion. He is depicted in meditation, radiating with the brilliance of a thousand suns, his gaze penetrating the essence of impurities.

Specifications
WSA058
Copper
Height: 9.5 inch
Width: 4 inch
Depth: 6 inch
Weight 2 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 12 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 Diamond Being: A Symbol of Purity and Enlightenment

This exquisite statue depicts Vajrasattva, a central figure in Vajrayana Buddhism, often referred to as the Diamond Being. In Buddhist mythology, Vajrasattva is considered the embodiment of purity, a primordial Buddha who achieved perfect enlightenment through countless eons of practice. He is seen as the source of all tantric wisdom and the patron deity of the Vajrayana tradition. This copper figurine, crafted in Nepal, captures the serene and powerful presence of this revered deity.

Artistry and Iconography

The statue showcases the masterful craftsmanship of Nepalese artisans. Cast in copper, it boasts a rich, lustrous patina that speaks to its quality and age. Vajrasattva is depicted seated in the lotus posture, a symbol of spiritual discipline and detachment from worldly desires. His serene expression, with downcast eyes, conveys a sense of profound peace and introspection. He is adorned with a jeweled crown and elaborate ornaments, signifying his royal lineage and celestial status. In his right hand, he holds the vajra, or thunderbolt scepter, a potent symbol of indestructibility, spiritual power, and the piercing clarity of wisdom that dispenses with ignorance. His left hand holds a bell, often symbolizing the wisdom that speaks of emptiness and the resonance of the dharma. Together, these implements represent the union of method and wisdom, the two essential elements for achieving enlightenment.

A Connection to Ancient Traditions

Vajrasattva holds a significant place in Buddhist practice, particularly in Tibetan Buddhism, where he is invoked in purification rituals and meditation practices. Reciting his mantra, "Om Vajrasattva Hum," is believed to purify negative karma and lead practitioners towards spiritual realization. The legend of Vajrasattva's own path to enlightenment, where he made a vow to purify all beings, resonates deeply with devotees. This statue serves as a tangible link to these ancient traditions, inviting contemplation and devotion into your sacred space. The copper medium itself has a long history of use in religious artifacts, prized for its conductivity and durability, believed to amplify spiritual energies.

Enriching Your Sacred Space

This nine-inch copper figurine from Nepal is more than just a decorative object; it is a conduit to spiritual energy and a reminder of the path to enlightenment. Whether placed in a home altar, meditation room, or as a unique accent piece in your living space, its presence radiates a sense of peace, wisdom, and profound spiritual depth. The meticulous detail and the inherent symbolism of Vajrasattva make this statue a cherished addition for collectors of Buddhist art, practitioners of meditation, and anyone seeking to infuse their environment with a touch of sacred heritage.

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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