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Goddess Tara Seated in Ease Posture with Vishva Vajra

$380
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
RH88
Copper Sculpture Gilded with 24 Karat Gold and Gemstone
Height: 6.5 inch
Width: 5 inch
Depth: 4 inch
Weight 1 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.

Tara: The Compassionate Mother

Within the vast pantheon of Tibetan Buddhism, Tara shines as the embodiment of compassion, swift action, and nurturing motherhood. Known as the "Star," Tara guides devotees across the sea of suffering to enlightenment. She is not just a singular deity, but a collection of manifestations, each representing a different aspect of her benevolent nature. From the fierce Green Tara, protector against fear and danger, to the serene White Tara, bestowing longevity and healing, her forms are countless, each dedicated to easing the burdens of sentient beings. The very name "Tara" means "savior," reflecting her promise to swiftly answer the prayers of those who call upon her with a sincere heart. Her origins are shrouded in myth. One popular story recounts her arising from the tears of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, after he witnessed the suffering of the world. Overwhelmed with grief, his tears formed a lake, from which a lotus emerged, and upon that lotus arose Tara, vowing to help him alleviate the suffering of all beings.

The Vishva Vajra: Symbol of Stability and Ultimate Truth

This exquisite sculpture captures the Goddess in lalitasana, the posture of royal ease, a position that symbolizes her readiness to arise and act swiftly on behalf of those in need. One of the distinguishing features of this representation is the Vishva Vajra, or double dorje, held in her hand. This object represents the unshakeable nature of reality. Unlike the single Vajra which represents the single-pronged power of enlightenment, the Vishva Vajra signifies complete, all-encompassing stability and the union of the four elements. It represents the foundation of the universe and the ultimate truth of reality that underlies all phenomena. Its presence with Tara underlines her role as not only a compassionate savior but also a guide to understanding the profound wisdom that liberates us from suffering.

Craftsmanship and Devotion

This piece is a testament to the skill and devotion of the artisans who created it. The use of copper, a metal associated with healing and abundance, further enhances the statue's auspicious qualities. The intricate details, achieved through meticulous craftsmanship, bring the Goddess to life, allowing the viewer to connect with her on a deeper level. Gilding with 24-karat gold imbues the sculpture with radiance and a sense of the divine, while the carefully set gemstones provide a visual and symbolic enhancement. This statue is more than just a beautiful object; it is a sacred representation of compassion, wisdom, and liberation, intended to inspire and uplift those who gaze upon it. The statue’s dimensions (6.5 x 5.0 x 4.0 inch) make it an ideal focal point for meditation or devotion in any space.

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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