Buddha in the Abhaya Mudra

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Name: Buddha in the Abhaya Mudra
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZN82
Price: 130.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$150

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Specifications

	ZN82
	Copper Sculpture gilded with 24 Karat Gold
	Height: 5 inch
	Width: 3.4 inch
	Depth: 2.5 inch
	Weight 1 kg

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100% Handmade

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MADE IN INDIA.

A Glimpse of Nirvana

This exquisite sculpture, crafted in Nepal, represents a manifestation of the enlightened Buddha. The use of copper, meticulously gilded with 24 Karat gold, lends a radiant warmth and enduring quality to this spiritual artifact. It is more than just an object of art; it's a conduit to inner peace and a tangible representation of Buddhist ideals. The sculpture is modestly sized, measuring 5.0 x 3.4 x 2.5 inches, making it a discreet yet powerful addition to any sacred space or personal collection.

The Gesture of Fearlessness

The Buddha is depicted here in the Abhaya Mudra, one of the most recognizable and beloved gestures in Buddhist iconography. “Abhaya” is a Sanskrit word that translates to “fearlessness.” The mudra is performed with the open right hand raised, palm facing outward, typically held at chest level. This symbolic gesture is said to represent protection, peace, benevolence, and the dispelling of fear. The story of the Abhaya Mudra is often linked to an encounter the Buddha had with an out-of-control elephant named Nalagiri. King Ajatashatru, an adversary of the Buddha, attempted to harm him by unleashing this maddened elephant upon him. However, upon seeing the Buddha, the elephant charged. With unshakable calm, the Buddha displayed the Abhaya Mudra. The elephant, sensing the immeasurable compassion and power emanating from the Buddha, immediately stopped and bowed before him, pacified by the sheer force of boundless love and non-violence. This miracle is a poignant testament to the power of inner peace and the transformative effect of fearlessness in the face of adversity.

Nepalese Craftsmanship & Symbolism

This sculpture is a product of the rich artistic heritage of Nepal. Nepalese artisans have long been revered for their exquisite craftsmanship in creating sacred objects for both Buddhist and Hindu traditions. The meticulous detail of the sculpture – from the serene expression on the Buddha’s face to the intricate folds of his robes – is a testament to their dedication and skill. The application of 24 Karat gold not only enhances the beauty of the piece but also symbolizes purity and enlightenment. The Buddha is seated in the lotus position, a posture that signifies stability and meditative focus. The lotus itself is a significant symbol in Buddhism, representing purity of body, speech, and mind. Just as the lotus flower rises from muddy waters to blossom in pristine beauty, so too can individuals rise above the suffering of the world to achieve enlightenment. Placing this representation of the Buddha in your home or office can serve as a constant reminder to cultivate inner peace, overcome fear, and strive for enlightenment. It’s a beautiful and meaningful symbol that speaks to the heart of Buddhist teachings and offers a tangible source of inspiration for your personal spiritual journey.

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.