Tsongkhapa in
Buddhist culture is the establisher of the Gelugpa sect, a prominent Vajrayana
order to which belong the Dalai Lamas. The glistening golden cap of Tsongkhapa
in these Nepalese gilded copper statues is symbolic of the order he founded,
known as the Yellow Hats. The three statues from Nepal present the teacher in varied
states of enlightened existence. One depicts him with the gesture of turning
the wheel of Dhamma, while the other two belonging to his mature age, show him
teaching the Dhamma, with the Vitarka Mudra and a book. Â
The Enlightenment of Tsongkhapa: A Set of Sacred Statues
Immerse yourself in the spiritual legacy of Tibetan Buddhism with this exquisite set of three copper statues, meticulously crafted with gold plating. These magnificent pieces depict Je Tsongkhapa, the revered founder of the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. His teachings and reforms have profoundly shaped the spiritual landscape of Tibet and beyond, making him a figure of immense veneration.
Tsongkhapa, born in the Amdo region of Tibet in the 14th century, was a prodigious scholar and yogi. Legend tells of his exceptional wisdom and profound spiritual realizations from a young age. He famously traveled extensively, absorbing teachings from numerous masters and synthesizing them into a comprehensive system of practice. His emphasis on rigorous study, ethical discipline, and meditation laid the foundation for the Gelugpa tradition, which would eventually produce the Dalai Lamas. It is said that when he was born, the flowers in the region bloomed out of season, a sign of his extraordinary spiritual birth. His intellect was so sharp that it is likened to the piercing rays of the sun, dispelling the darkness of ignorance.Artistry and Symbolism
Each statue in this set is a testament to the skill of Nepalese artisans, who have skillfully worked with copper and adorned it with lustrous gold plating. The figures are depicted in a seated posture, a symbol of deep meditation and inner peace. Their serene expressions and the finely rendered details of their monastic robes evoke a sense of tranquility and profound spirituality. The iconic pointed hat, a distinctive feature of Tsongkhapa's iconography, sits regally upon his head, signifying his status as an enlightened master. The intricate patterns and decorative elements on the robes and the bases of the statues showcase the rich artistic traditions that have been passed down through generations in Nepal, a land blessed by both Buddhist and Hindu spiritual traditions. The gold plating not only enhances the visual splendor but also symbolizes purity, enlightenment, and the radiant nature of Tsongkhapa's teachings.A Legacy of Wisdom and Compassion
The Gelugpa school, often referred to as the "Yellow Hat" tradition, is characterized by its emphasis on monasticism, scholarship, and the path of the Bodhisattva â one who delays their own enlightenment to help all sentient beings. Tsongkhapa's teachings have been a guiding light for countless individuals seeking spiritual liberation and wisdom. His emphasis on the Lamrim, the gradual path to enlightenment, provides a structured and accessible framework for practitioners. This set of statues serves as a powerful reminder of his enduring influence and a focal point for meditation and devotion, inviting contemplation on the principles of wisdom, compassion, and spiritual discipline that he so profoundly embodied. They are not merely decorative objects but conduits to the profound spiritual insights of one of Buddhism's greatest luminaries.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.
Upload an Image
