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Dharmaraja Yama with Yami - Made in Nepal Tibetan Buddhist Deity

$1443.75
$1925
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
ZEM761
COPPER STATUE FROM NEPAL
Height: 15.6 inch
Width: 4.2 inch
Depth: 9 inch
Weight 4.80 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
Free Delivery
Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Testament to Dharma and Cosmic Justice

This exquisite copper statue, meticulously crafted in Nepal, embodies the profound spiritual essence of Dharmaraja Yama, also known as the Lord of Death, in union with his sister Yami. In Tibetan Buddhism, Yama is a complex and revered deity, transcending the Western concept of a malevolent Grim Reaper. He is the protector of the Dharma, the enforcer of cosmic law, and the judge of karma. This powerful depiction captures his multifaceted nature, offering a potent symbol for contemplation and spiritual practice. The artistry of this piece is evident in every detail. The dynamic posture of Dharmaraja Yama, with his formidable visage and multiple heads, signifies his all-seeing awareness and his ability to hold conflicting energies. His fierce expression, with fangs bared and tongue extended, conveys his uncompromising stance against ignorance and negative karma. The surrounding flames symbolize purification and the transformative power of spiritual insight, burning away illusions and attachment. The intricate ornamentation, from the skull crowns to the dangling effigies, speaks to the cyclical nature of existence and the profound truths of impermanence. ––––––––––––––––––

The Divine Union and Symbolism

The presence of Yami alongside Dharmaraja Yama adds another layer of meaning to this sacred artwork. In Hindu mythology, Yami is the goddess of the river Yamuna, but in Buddhist traditions, she is often associated with Yama as his counterpart, representing the feminine aspect of death and the passage into the afterlife. Their combined presence suggests the balance of opposing forces and the inseparable nature of life and death. The silver buffalo beneath their feet, a common attribute of Yama, symbolizes the earthly realm and the power to overcome worldly obstacles and delusions. The subjugated human form lying beneath the buffalo represents the ego and the illusions of the material world being brought under control by spiritual discipline. Each element of this statue is rich with symbolism. The very act of its creation in Nepal, a land deeply steeped in Buddhist tradition, imbues it with an authentic spiritual lineage. This copper masterpiece is not merely an object of beauty; it is a conduit to the teachings of karma, impermanence, and the path to liberation. It serves as a powerful reminder that actions have consequences and that by understanding and confronting the nature of death, one can live a more meaningful and virtuous life. ––––––––––––––––––

An Object of Devotion and Artistic Mastery

This statue is an ideal addition for any practitioner or collector interested in Tibetan Buddhist art and philosophy. Its substantial size and the quality of its copper construction ensure a commanding presence in any altar, meditation space, or collection. The skilled hands that shaped this piece have brought forth a deity that inspires reverence, introspection, and a deeper understanding of the spiritual journey. It is a tangible representation of the potent forces that govern the universe and a beautiful testament to the enduring wisdom of Buddhist teachings. Owning this Dharmaraja Yama and Yami statue is to invite a powerful symbol of judgment, compassion, and the ultimate triumph of Dharma into your life.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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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