If divine compassion could be envisioned by the limited imagination of
humans, it could not have taken a more ethereal form than this copper artwork
depicting the Buddhist
symbol of heavenly benevolence- Green Tara.
Presenting the sacred aura of Green Tara, the statue is meticulously sculpted,
adorning her with the Nepalese five-crested crown, with the image of Kirtimukha
or Chepu at the center and floral motifs. Tara’s luxurious hair is placed in an
imposing coiffeur, with her delicate strands framing the riveting beauty of her
countenance, which is enlivened by fine facial features, especially her gentle
eyes which are astutely animated by the artists by highlighting with a lovely
silver hue.
The Embodiment of Compassion: Goddess Tara
Tara, a name that resonates with profound meaning – "star" in Sanskrit – embodies the boundless compassion and enlightened wisdom of the Divine Feminine. In the rich tapestry of Buddhist iconography, Tara occupies a central position, revered as the Mother of all Buddhas and the embodiment of active compassion. She is a Bodhisattva, a being who has attained enlightenment but chooses to remain in the world to help others achieve liberation. Her presence is a beacon of hope and solace for those seeking refuge from suffering.
Known for her swift response to those in need, Tara is often depicted with her right leg slightly extended, ready to spring into action. She is the embodiment of the wisdom that understands emptiness and the compassion that arises from that understanding. She is a protector, a guide, and a source of unwavering support on the path to enlightenment. Worshippers seek her blessings for protection, guidance, and the alleviation of suffering, both for themselves and for all sentient beings.A Crown of Celestial Authority
This exquisite copper statue captures the serene countenance of Goddess Tara, showcasing her timeless beauty and spiritual power. Crafted with meticulous detail, this bust presents Tara adorned with a magnificent five-crested crown. Each crest symbolizes the five Dhyani Buddhas, representing the five aspects of wisdom that transform negative emotions into positive ones. The crown signifies her mastery over these energies and her ability to guide others towards enlightenment. The intricate carvings showcase the craftsmanship involved in creating this sacred art. The copper medium, chosen for its conductive properties, is believed to enhance the flow of energy, imbuing the statue with a sense of vitality and spiritual resonance.
The tranquil expression on Tara’s face radiates peace and serenity. Her eyes, half-closed in meditative contemplation, invite viewers to turn inward and find solace within their own hearts. The gentle curve of her lips suggests a compassionate smile, reminding us of her unwavering love and support. The intricate details of her hair, the delicate curves of her ears, and the graceful lines of her neck all contribute to the overall sense of harmony and balance. Place it on your personal altar, your meditation space, or simply as a reminder of the divine compassion 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.
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