Amitayus - The Buddha of Long Life

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Name: Amitayus - The Buddha of Long Life
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: RS82
Price: 660.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$759

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	RS82
	Copper Sculpture Gilded with 24 Karat Gold
	Height: 13 inch
	Width: 5.5 inch
	Depth: 9.5 inch
	Weight 4 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
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Fully Insured

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100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

The Gilded Form of Boundless Life

Behold a stunning representation, crafted from copper and lavishly gilded with 24-karat gold, radiating a sense of profound peace and serenity. This sculpture is a testament to the exquisite artistry and profound spiritual depth found in Tibetan Buddhist traditions. The meticulous detail in the creation of this piece captures the essence of divine grace and longevity, a treasure to behold and a powerful symbol of well-being. The statue measures 13.0 x 5.5 x 9.5 inches, making it a striking focal point for any sacred space or home altar.

Auspicious Symbolism

Every element of this statue carries deep symbolic meaning, connecting the viewer to the rich tapestry of Buddhist philosophy. The Buddha is seated in the lotus position, a posture of deep meditation and enlightenment, symbolizing purity, love and transcendence. The hands are held in the dhyana mudra, the gesture of meditation, cradling an alms bowl filled with the nectar of immortality. This nectar symbolizes the potential for enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of suffering, bestowing the promise of a long and meaningful life upon those who venerate it. The ornate crown adorning the head is a signifier of the high spiritual attainment and the boundless wisdom that is within.

Mythological Narrative and Cultural Significance

In the vast pantheon of Tibetan Buddhism, Amitayus is revered as the Buddha of Infinite Life and Merit. Amitayus is considered an emanation of Amitabha, the Buddha of Infinite Light. Chanting his mantra and reflecting on his qualities is believed to bestow longevity, good fortune, and protection from untimely death. In some traditions, he is regarded as one of the three long-life deities, alongside White Tara and Ushnishavijaya. Together, they represent the body, speech, and mind aspects of enlightened life. Placing an image of Amitayus in one’s home is considered an act of great merit, believed to create a harmonious and supportive environment conducive to spiritual growth and physical well-being. This tangible representation serves as a constant reminder of the potential for profound transformation and the inherent wisdom that resides within.

Craftsmanship and Artistic Excellence

This statue is more than just a decorative object; it is a work of art meticulously brought to life by skilled artisans. The copper body provides a sturdy foundation, while the 24-karat gold gilding lends an aura of celestial radiance, enhancing the statue's visual appeal and imbuing it with an auspicious quality. The combination of materials and the mastery of the craft create a piece that is both beautiful and enduring. Each curve, each fold of the robe, and each delicately placed detail is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the craftsmen who poured their heart and soul into its creation.

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.