Buddha in Bhumisparsha Mudra

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Name: Buddha in Bhumisparsha Mudra
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: EN50
Price: 140.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$161

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Specifications

	EN50
	Copper Sculpture
	Height: 7.5 inch
	Width: 5 inch
	Depth: 3.5 inch
	Weight 1.40 kg

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100% Handmade

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MADE IN INDIA.

The Buddha and the Earth Witness

This exquisite copper sculpture, originating from the skilled artisans of Nepal, embodies a profound moment in the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha. The sculpture depicts the Buddha in the *Bhumisparsha Mudra*, also known as the "earth-touching gesture." In this iconic pose, the right hand extends downwards, the fingers gracefully reaching towards the earth, while the left hand rests in the lap, palm upward, in the *dhyana mudra* of meditation. This statue is ideal for meditation spaces or for individuals seeking a tangible connection to Buddhist teachings and the essence of unwavering resolve. The serene expression on the Buddha's face invites tranquility and introspection.

The Story Behind the Gesture

The *Bhumisparsha Mudra* is not merely a hand position; it's a powerful symbol rooted in the Buddha's journey to enlightenment. As Siddhartha sat in deep meditation beneath the Bodhi tree, Mara, the demon of illusion and temptation, sought to disrupt his quest. Mara unleashed armies of demons, storms, and seductive visions to break Siddhartha's concentration. However, Siddhartha remained steadfast in his commitment to attaining enlightenment. Mara then challenged Siddhartha's right to sit beneath the Bodhi tree, demanding to know who would bear witness to his worthiness. In response, Siddhartha reached down and touched the earth with his right hand. In that instant, the earth itself roared its acknowledgement. The earth, personified by the earth goddess, appeared and testified to Siddhartha's countless lifetimes of merit and virtue. Mara and his legions were vanquished, and Siddhartha, having overcome all obstacles, attained enlightenment and became the Buddha. This act demonstrates profound courage and unwavering faith in the face of adversity, reminding the devotee of the strength and power of overcoming internal negativity.

Crafted Details

Measuring 7.5 inches in height, 5 inches in width, and 3.5 inches in depth, this copper sculpture possesses a captivating presence without demanding excessive space. The warm, earthy tones of the metal enhance the piece's aura of serenity. Intricate detailing adorns the Buddha's robes and the lotus pedestal upon which he sits. The artisan's meticulous craftsmanship is evident in the smooth lines, the balanced proportions, and the overall sense of harmony that emanates from the sculpture. The statue features the ushnisha, the cranial protuberance on the head of the Buddha which symbolizes his enlightenment, and elongated earlobes as a reminder of the wealth that he renounced. The lotus flower base is a seat of purity and spiritual awakening. The figure is copper, a metal often associated with healing and conducting energy. Invite a sense of peace and steadfastness into your home with this beautiful representation of a defining moment in Buddhist history. This artwork serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for enlightenment and the unwavering strength that resides within us all.

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.