Amitayus - The Buddha of Endless Life
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| Specifications |
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RI65 |
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Copper Sculpture Gilded with 24 Karat Gold |
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Height: 9 inch |
| Width: 6 inch | |
| Depth: 4 inch | |
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Weight 1.44 kg |
| Delivery and Return Policies |
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Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days |
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Free Delivery |
Easy Returns
Fully Insured
100% Handmade
Invoking Longevity and Wisdom
This exquisitely crafted statue embodies the profound teachings and blessings associated with Amitayus. In Tibetan Buddhism, Amitayus is revered as a manifestation of Amitabha, the Buddha of Boundless Light. Amitayus focuses on the aspect of extending life, not merely in years, but also in the vitality and wisdom gained through spiritual practice. To behold such an image is to contemplate the boundless possibilities of the human spirit and the attainment of enlightenment itself. He is often invoked in practices aimed at healing, longevity, and the accumulation of merit. His serene countenance reflects the peace and equanimity that arise from the cultivation of wisdom and compassion. The sculpture captures the essence of his divine presence, inviting the viewer into a deeper connection with the qualities he embodies.Artisanal Excellence and Precious Materials
This statue is a testament to the skill and dedication of traditional artisans. Handcrafted from copper, the sculpture undergoes a meticulous process of gilding with 24 karat gold. This precious material not only enhances the statue's aesthetic appeal, but also imbues it with symbolic significance. Gold has long been associated with purity, enlightenment, and the enduring nature of the Buddha's teachings. The intricate details, from the elaborate headdress to the delicate folds of the robes, speak to the artistry and precision involved in its creation.Symbolism and Iconography
The iconography of Amitayus is rich with meaning. He is typically depicted seated in the vajra posture, his hands resting in his lap in the dhyana mudra, the gesture of meditation. Often he is shown holding a vase filled with the nectar of immortality. The ornate headdress and jewelry symbolize his elevated spiritual status and the adornments of enlightenment. Each element contributes to the overall visual representation of Amitayus's divine qualities, serving as a focal point for contemplation and devotion. The lotus throne upon which he sits represents purity and spiritual awakening, emerging from the muddy waters of samsara, the cycle of suffering. The intricate carvings adorning the base further enhance the symbolic depth of the sculpture, creating a powerful and inspiring work of art. This image is not merely decorative; it is a powerful reminder of the potential for inner transformation and the attainment of lasting peace and happiness.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.
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.
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.
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.
