As if goddess Tara chose this icon for her appearance on the earth, the gilded copper statue brims with a serenity that washes over you. Majestically adorned, the brocaded attire of Green Tara is adjusted in lyrical waves around her which speak for the sculptor’s ability to mold hard metal masterfully. The eyes, mouth, fingertips, torso, toes- each aspect of Tara in this icon makes us believe that the goddess is illuminating the statue herself. The layered platform is splendidly adorned and is a fitting seat for the glorious goddess.
A Divine Presence of Compassion
Gaze upon this exquisite statue, a breathtaking representation of Green Tara, the revered female Bodhisattva in Tibetan Buddhism. Crafted from high-quality copper and lavishly gilded with pure gold, this masterpiece emanates an aura of profound serenity and boundless compassion. Each detail, from the delicate ornamentation of her crown and jewelry to the intricate patterns adorning her robes, speaks of the meticulous artistry and spiritual devotion poured into its creation. This statue is not merely an object of beauty, but a conduit to the divine, embodying the essence of enlightened activity and the protective embrace of Tara.The Essence of Green Tara
Green Tara is an embodiment of active compassion, a swift rescuer from fear and suffering. Legends tell of her birth from a tear of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, as he wept for the suffering of the world. Her green complexion signifies her youthful energy and her ability to overcome obstacles with vibrant force. She is known as the "Mother of all Buddhas" and is invoked for protection, longevity, prosperity, and the attainment of enlightenment. Her posture of ease, with her right leg extended, symbolizes her readiness to descend and offer aid to those in need, while her left leg is folded in a meditative posture, representing her wisdom. The lotus flowers she holds in her hands symbolize purity and the unfolding of spiritual realization.A Testament to Nepalese Craftsmanship
Hailing from the heart of Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual traditions and renowned for its skilled artisans, this statue is a testament to centuries of artistic heritage. The techniques employed in its creation are deeply rooted in ancient practices, passed down through generations of masters. The meticulous application of gold gilding not only enhances the visual splendor but also symbolizes the precious and ineffable nature of the enlightened qualities Tara represents. This piece captures the dynamic yet peaceful essence of Green Tara, making it a significant addition to any sacred space or collection dedicated to Buddhist art and spirituality. Its presence is a constant reminder of the power of compassion to transform and uplift.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.
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