Amitabha - The Buddha of Infinite Light

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Name: Amitabha - The Buddha of Infinite Light
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: RI09
Price: 240.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$276

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Specifications

	RI09
	Copper Sculpture Gilded with 24 Karat Gold
	Height: 8.5 inch
	Width: 5.5 inch
	Depth: 4 inch
	Weight 1.37 kg

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100% Handmade

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MADE IN INDIA.

Symbol of Enlightenment

Seated in a meditative pose, this exquisite copper sculpture embodies the profound teachings of Amitabha Buddha, the Buddha of Infinite Light. Gilded with radiant 24 Karat gold, the statue captures the serene expression and compassionate presence associated with this revered figure in Mahayana Buddhism. The fine details, from the delicate folds of the robes to the elaborate lotus base, reflect the artistry and devotion inherent in its creation. Amitabha is known as the principal Buddha in the Pure Land tradition, a branch of Mahayana Buddhism focused on attaining rebirth in his pure land, Sukhavati, a realm free from suffering and conducive to enlightenment. Through sincere devotion and the recitation of Amitabha's name, practitioners believe they can be reborn in this blissful realm and swiftly progress towards Buddhahood.

A Glimpse into Sukhavati

The posture, the serene gaze, and the bowl held in the hands– each element of this sculpture carries symbolic weight, hinting at the vastness and beauty of Sukhavati. Visualize this enlightened realm. It is described in the Amitabha Sutra as a place of immaculate beauty, adorned with precious jewels, fragrant flowers, and melodious birds. The land is illuminated by the boundless light of Amitabha, representing wisdom and compassion, dispelling the darkness of ignorance. It is said that within Sukhavati, beings are effortlessly guided towards enlightenment, surrounded by the blessings of Amitabha and other celestial beings.

The Promise of Liberation

This sculpture serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential within all beings. Amitabha's vow to save all sentient beings is at the heart of the Pure Land tradition. His compassion extends to everyone regardless of their past actions or current circumstances. By connecting with this enlightened energy, we open ourselves to the possibility of purification, healing, and ultimate liberation from suffering. This beautiful statue, rendered in copper and gilded in 24 Karat gold, measuring 8.5 x 5.5 x 4.0 inches, provides more than visual enrichment. It serves as a constant reminder to cultivate compassion, seek wisdom, and strive for enlightenment, echoing the teachings of the Buddha and inspiring us to create our own pure land within our hearts. Placed in a meditation space or a sacred area, it will serve as a constant companion along the spiritual path, aiding in mindfulness and cultivating a sense of peace and tranquility.

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.