What could
have been better than showering the copper statue of Buddha with heavenliness
of gold, to bring to our mind the events of Buddha’s life, which is replete
with episodes of compassion and wisdom? The gilded copper-crowned Buddha statue
is a fine specimen of Nepalese art, presenting Buddha as a universal conqueror.
A splendid halo is attached to the throne of Buddha which is both a Simhasana
(lion throne) and Padmasana (lotus throne), symbolizing Buddha’s eternal
victory over the material and spiritual realms, respectively.
The Embodiment of Enlightenment: A Crowned Shakyamuni Buddha Statue
This exquisite statue captures the serene countenance and profound wisdom of Shakyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. Crafted from durable copper and adorned with a lustrous gold plating, it radiates a spiritual aura that is both captivating and calming. Each detail, from the gentle curve of his lips to the intricate folds of his monastic robe, has been meticulously rendered by skilled artisans, reflecting centuries of artistic tradition passed down through generations in the heart of Nepal.
The Shakyamuni Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, was a prince who renounced his privileged life to seek the truth of suffering and liberation. After years of asceticism and deep meditation, he achieved enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, becoming the Buddha – the Awakened One. This statue depicts him in a classic seated posture, symbolizing his attained tranquility and the stability of his enlightened mind. His right hand rests gently on his knee, palm facing outwards, in the gesture of Bhumisparsha Mudra, the Earth-Touching Gesture. This mudra represents his victory over the temptations of Mara, the demon who sought to disrupt his meditation, and his calling of the Earth as a witness to his enlightenment.A Royal Adornment: The Significance of the Crown
What sets this particular depiction apart is the regal crown adorning the Buddha's head. While Shakyamuni Buddha is often depicted in his ascetic form, the crowned Buddha represents his inherent, enlightened royalty and his sovereign status over the Dharma. In some traditions, the crown signifies his omniscience and his dominion over the three realms of existence. It also points to the lineage of enlightened rulers who have propagated his teachings throughout history. The small, precious stones embedded in the crown and on his celestial ornamentation further enhance his divine presence, hinting at the preciousness of the Dharma itself.
The elaborate, ornate halo behind the Buddha is not merely decorative; it symbolizes the boundless light of wisdom and compassion that emanates from him, dispelling the darkness of ignorance. The intricate swirling patterns within the halo are reminiscent of cosmic energy and the interconnectedness of all things, a core tenet of Buddhist philosophy. The statue rests upon a multi-tiered base, adorned with auspicious symbols and motifs, including depictions of celestial lions. These lions, often associated with royalty and protection in Buddhist iconography, guard the sacred space and symbolize the power and majesty of the Buddha's teachings.A Testament to Nepalese Craftsmanship
This magnificent piece is a testament to the rich artistic heritage of Nepal, a country deeply steeped in Buddhist culture and tradition. The use of copper as the base material provides a robust foundation, while the meticulous gold plating imbues the statue with a divine radiance and enduring beauty. Owning such a statue is more than just acquiring a decorative object; it is an invitation to engage with the profound teachings of the Buddha, to cultivate inner peace, and to bring a tangible piece of spiritual devotion into your sacred space. Its commanding presence and spiritual depth make it a truly remarkable centerpiece for any altar, meditation room, or collection dedicated to the pursuit of wisdom 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.
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