Dakini

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Name: Dakini
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZN98
Price: 160.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$184

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	ZN98
	Copper Sculpture gilded with 24 Karat Gold
	Height: 5.5 inch
	Width: 4.5 inch
	Depth: 2.1 inch
	Weight 1 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

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Fully Insured

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100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

This captivating gilded sculpture is a powerful representation of enlightened feminine energy and spiritual transformation. It will be a beautiful and potent addition to any sacred space.

Dakinis: Sky Dancers of Wisdom

In Tibetan Buddhism, Dakinis are powerful, dynamic, and often wrathful female deities. They are considered embodiments of wisdom, compassion, and skillful means. The term "Dakini" translates to "sky dancer" or "sky goer" – alluding to their ability to traverse dimensions and effortlessly navigate the realms of consciousness. They are often depicted dancing, embodying the energetic and transformative nature of enlightenment. Dakinis serve as guides and protectors, challenging perceptions and leading practitioners towards liberation. They can appear in various forms, from peaceful and beautiful to fierce and terrifying, reflecting the many facets of wisdom and the challenges one must overcome on the spiritual path.

The Dance of Transformation

This exquisite statue captures a Dakini in dynamic motion, stepping upon a human form. This posture symbolizes the overcoming of ignorance, ego, and other obstacles that prevent spiritual awakening. The figure beneath her represents the subjugation of negative emotions and mental patterns, allowing the Dakini's wisdom and compassion to shine through. Her raised hand holds symbolic implements which are powerful, conveying the Dakini's power to transform the ordinary into the sacred. Her expression, though fierce, hints at compassion, reflecting her commitment to guiding sentient beings toward enlightenment. The intricate details in her attire and adornments, showcase skulls that symbolize the impermanence of all things. Crafted from copper and meticulously gilded with 24 Karat gold, this small statue is a treasure that will enrich your home, studio, or altar.

Please note:

The sculpture measures 5.5 x 4.5 x 2.1 inches. This makes it a beautiful and unique accent piece.

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.