Dharmapala Of The Dorje Shugden

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Name: Dharmapala Of The Dorje Shugden
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZEN092
Price: 1715.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$1608

$2144

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Specifications

	ZEN092
	Copper
	Height: 0 inch
	Width: 3 inch
	Depth: 3 inch

Delivery and Return Policies


	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
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Fully Insured

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100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

Guardians of the Dharma

This striking copper statue depicts a powerful Dharmapala, a wrathful protector of Buddhist teachings. In Tibetan Buddhism, Dharmapalas are fierce deities who embody enlightened rage, driven by compassion to overcome obstacles and negative forces that hinder the practice of Dharma. They are not to be confused with malevolent spirits; their wrath is a manifestation of their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the path to enlightenment. The figure is presented in a dynamic posture, exuding an aura of immense power and vigilance. His countenance is stern, with eyes that pierce through illusion and a formidable expression designed to instill awe and deter any who would seek to disrupt the sacred path. The intricate details of his adornments, from the flowing robes to the fierce headdress, speak of his formidable nature and his role as a cosmic guardian. The vibrant colors and the rich patina of the copper contribute to the statue's palpable energy, making it a potent symbol of protection and spiritual strength.

The Lion of the Snows

The Dharmapala is depicted triumphantly seated upon a fierce, lion-like creature. This mount, often interpreted as a snow lion or a garuda, is a common motif associated with wrathful deities and signifies victory over ignorance and the conquering of obstacles. The snow lion, in particular, is a significant symbol in Tibetan culture, often representing the unfettered mind, purity, and the ability to overcome fear. It is a creature of the high, pristine mountains, symbolizing the clarity and power that comes from transcending worldly attachments. Its roaring mouth and fierce mane in this representation emphasize the overwhelming force that the Dharmapala commands against spiritual adversity. The base of the statue is adorned with intricate patterns and mythical motifs, reflecting the rich visual language of Tibetan art and spirituality, further enhancing its sacred presence.

A Symbol of Protection and Auspiciousness

This remarkable sculpture is more than just an object of art; it is a conduit for spiritual energy and a powerful reminder of the protective forces that aid us on our spiritual journey. The presence of a Dharmapala statue in one's home or meditation space is believed to ward off negative influences, bring good fortune, and create an environment conducive to peace and spiritual growth. It serves as a focal point for devotion, a source of inspiration, and a tangible connection to the ancient wisdom and protective traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. Each element of the statue, from the fiery halo representing the heat of wisdom to the precise rendering of the deity's form, is imbued with meaning and intended to inspire reverence and devotion.

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.