The Finest Mahakala Money Can Buy

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Name: The Finest Mahakala Money Can Buy
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZAX81
Price: 1760.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$2024

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	ZAX81
	Copper Statue Gilded with 24 Karat Gold
	Height: 13 inch
	Width: 9.5 inch
	Depth: 4.5 inch
	Weight 4.50 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

Embodying Divine Wrath and Protection

This magnificent copper statue, intricately gilded with 24-karat gold, portrays a powerful deity from the Vajrayana Buddhist pantheon. Its commanding presence and multifaceted symbolism make it a truly exceptional piece for any collector or practitioner seeking spiritual resonance. The deity, often depicted in a wrathful form, embodies the fierce protective energy that guards against obstacles, ignorance, and negativity. The iconography of this deity is rich with meaning. The multiple arms represent the ability to engage with and overcome numerous challenges simultaneously, while the dynamic posture signifies relentless action and unwavering vigilance. The fierce expression, with bared fangs and piercing eyes, is not one of malice but of absolute determination to destroy illusion and suffering. The flaming aureole surrounding the figure symbolizes purification and the burning away of all that is impure, both internally and externally.

Mythological Significance and Cultural Context

Mahakala, in his various forms, is a protector of the Dharma and a wrathful emanation of enlightened beings. Legends speak of his intervention in crucial moments, shielding practitioners and sacred teachings from harm. He is often invoked to remove obstacles on the spiritual path, to grant protection, and to overcome inner demons. The deity's multi-headed aspect, sometimes seen, can represent the complete mastery over the different aspects of existence or the profound wisdom that transcends ordinary perception. Each head is often adorned with a crown, signifying dominion and spiritual authority. The snakes that often adorn the deity symbolize the Kundalini energy, the transformative power within, and the control over primal forces. The presence of skulls, typically as adornments or in a garland, represents the transcendence of ego and the understanding of impermanence, reminding us of the ultimate reality beyond fleeting worldly concerns. This deity’s power is immense, capable of dispelling negativities that even gods fear.

Artistry and Auspicious Materials

Crafted from high-quality copper, this statue possesses a substantial feel and enduring beauty. The meticulous gilding with pure 24-karat gold elevates its aesthetic appeal, lending it a radiant aura that reflects the divine essence of the deity. The skilled artisans have captured every detail with precision, from the fierce facial features and muscular physique to the intricate ornamentation and flowing robes. The vibrant colors used to accent the gold further enhance the statue's visual impact, bringing to life the dynamic energy of the divine protector. Each element of this artwork is intended to inspire awe and devotion, serving as a powerful focal point for meditation and contemplation.

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.