Emaciated Buddha - Made in Nepal

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Name: Emaciated Buddha - Made in Nepal
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZEJ76
Price: 395.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$494

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	ZEJ76
	Copper Statue
	Height: 5.9 inch
	Width: 3.5 inch
	Depth: 2.2 inch
	Weight 600 gm

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Fully Insured

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100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Symbol of Austere Enlightenment

This striking copper statue depicts the Buddha in a state of profound asceticism, a poignant representation of his early years of intense spiritual discipline. Before achieving enlightenment, Siddhartha Gautama, the prince who would become the Buddha, subjected himself to rigorous fasting and self-mortification for years. This period of extreme austerity was an attempt to understand and overcome suffering through the complete denial of worldly pleasures and physical needs. This sculpture captures that pivotal moment, embodying the immense willpower and unwavering dedication that led to his ultimate awakening. The artist's skill is evident in the meticulous rendering of the emaciated form. Every rib is clearly defined, a testament to the Buddha's extreme fasting. His sunken cheeks, hollowed eyes, and visible bone structure speak volumes about the immense physical hardship he endured. Yet, despite the outward signs of suffering, his face radiates an inner peace and serene contemplation. This juxtaposition of extreme physical deprivation and profound spiritual tranquility is the essence of this powerful depiction. The serene expression suggests that even in the depths of self-denial, he found a path toward inner liberation. ––––––––––

The Journey to Nirvana

The story of the Buddha's ascetic practices is a crucial part of his spiritual biography. Having witnessed suffering in the world, he renounced his royal life, his family, and all worldly comforts in pursuit of truth. He studied under various gurus and experimented with extreme forms of asceticism, believing that by subjugating the body, he could achieve spiritual liberation. However, he eventually realized that such extreme practices were not the path to enlightenment but rather a distraction that weakened the body and clouded the mind. It was after abandoning these harsh disciplines and accepting sustenance that he found the strength and clarity to meditate under the Bodhi tree and attain enlightenment. This sculpture, therefore, represents not just the ascetic phase, but the ultimate victory over it, the realization that the "Middle Way" – a balance between indulgence and severe asceticism – was the true path. ––––––––––

Craftsmanship from the Himalayas

Handcrafted in Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual tradition and artistic heritage, this statue is a beautiful example of Nepalese craftsmanship. The use of copper lends a rich, enduring quality to the artwork. The details, from the serene face with closed eyes, hinting at deep meditation, to the intricately folded robes and the patterned base, showcase the dedication and artistry of the artisans. The base itself is adorned with symbols that hold significance in Buddhist cosmology, further enriching the spiritual narrative of the piece. This statue serves not only as a decorative item but also as a potent reminder of the Buddha's journey and the universal principles of self-discipline, perseverance, and the pursuit of inner peace. It is a piece that invites contemplation and embodies a profound spiritual message, making it a meaningful addition to any sacred space or personal collection.

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.