Buddhist Deity Vajrasattva Copper Idol from Nepal

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Buddhist Deity Vajrasattva Copper Idol from Nepal

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Name: Buddhist Deity Vajrasattva Copper Idol from Nepal
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: NLH085
Price: 3310.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$3103.50

$4138

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Only 1 available

What divine beauty the enlightened state must carry? As an answer to this complex question, the Buddhist embodiment of supreme wisdom and enlightenment, Bodhisattva Vajrasattva is visualized in a princely form in this Nepalese statue made from copper and gold. A golden aureole in the shape of blossoming vines with coral and turquoise outlines the youthful Bodhisattva, seated on a lotus throne. The physicality of Vajrasattva is such that he appears to be gently leaning forward, carrying a paternal attitude and the willingness to bestow the ultimate wealth of wisdom on his followers.

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Specifications

	NLH085
	Copper With Gold
	Height: 19 inch
	Width: 13 inch
	Depth: 7 inch
	Weight 8.10 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 6 days
	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

Embodying Purity and Enlightenment: The Vajrasattva Idol

This exquisite copper idol, gilded with gold, presents Vajrasattva, a central figure in Vajrayana Buddhism, in all his serene glory. Hailing from the skilled artisans of Nepal, this piece is more than just a statue; it is a conduit to spiritual practice and a tangible representation of profound Buddhist teachings. Vajrasattva, meaning "Vajra Being" or "Diamond Being," is revered as the deity of purification and the mind of enlightenment. His name itself evokes the diamond, symbolizing indestructibility and clarity, and the vajra, a ritual object representing method and compassion.

A Vision of Divine Presence

The craftsmanship of this idol is breathtaking. Cast in copper and meticulously gilded with gold, the surface gleams with an inner radiance that speaks of divine presence. Vajrasattva is depicted in the lotus posture, a symbol of purity and spiritual elevation, seated upon an ornate lotus base. This lotus, a common motif in Buddhist art, represents the unfolding of the mind, rising untainted from the muddy waters of worldly desires. His serene countenance, with downcast eyes and a gentle smile, conveys a sense of deep peace and profound wisdom. Adorned with a bejeweled crown and elaborate ornaments, he embodies the regal aspect of enlightened being, while the rich detailing on his robes suggests the opulent nature of spiritual treasures. The intricate aureole behind him, richly decorated with vibrant red and blue stones and golden swirls, further amplifies his divine aura, symbolizing the boundless light of wisdom that emanates from him.

The Power of Purification and the Vajra Mantras

In Buddhist traditions, Vajrasattva is paramount in the practice of purification. He is considered the source of all the Vajra mantras, and the recitation of the hundred-syllable mantra of Vajrasattva is a powerful method for cleansing negative karma, obscurations, and defilements. Tales abound of practitioners who have achieved profound spiritual insights and liberation through dedicated practice with Vajrasattva. The tantric texts describe him as residing in a pure realm, the heart of which is the Vajra realm, a place of ultimate purity and bliss. This idol, with its commanding presence and serene beauty, serves as a powerful visual aid for meditation, encouraging the practitioner to connect with Vajrasattva's purifying energy and to strive for the diamond-like clarity of their own mind. This statue is not merely an object of devotion but a spiritual tool, inviting contemplation and guiding one towards the path of ultimate purity and enlightenment.

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.