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Guru Padmasambhava From Nepal

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Name: Guru Padmasambhava From Nepal
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: CAA091
Price: 2745.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$2573.25

$3431

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Only 1 available

Born from Padma (lotus), Padmasambhava in this statue from Nepal is depicted in a sublime mood, with frowning brows, and large eyes yet a gentle countenance. The ear flaps of his cap, frills of the headgear, and the trimmings on his staff are swaying to bring dynamism to his stillness. With precision in lines- etched and painted, the statue is made with an artistic exquisiteness. The bejeweled robes of Guru are provided to give him warmth in the mountainous terrains that he traveled to disseminate the wisdom of Dhamma.

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Specifications

	CAA091
	Copper With Gold
	Height: 21 inch
	Width: 13 inch
	Depth: 11 inch
	Weight 11.30 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 6 days
	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.

The Lotus-Born Master's Radiance

This magnificent sculpture captures the revered presence of Guru Padmasambhava, the "Lotus-Born Master," a pivotal figure in the introduction and establishment of Vajrayana Buddhism in Tibet. Crafted from copper and lavishly gilded with gold, the statue exudes an aura of divine power and profound wisdom. Guru Rinpoche, as he is affectionately known, is depicted in his classic seated posture, with legs crossed in a meditative stance upon an intricately ornamented lotus throne, a symbol of purity and spiritual awakening. His countenance is serene yet commanding, with finely rendered facial features that convey deep compassion and unwavering resolve. The serene expression is further enhanced by the detailed rendering of his regal adornments, including his characteristic five-pointed crown, signifying his mastery over the five wisdoms, and the ornate jewelry that graces his neck and ears. The liberal application of gold imbues the entire form with a luminous quality, reflecting the enlightened nature of the great siddha.

Embodiment of Power and Doctrine

Guru Padmasambhava holds a vajra-handled ritual implement in his right hand, a symbol of indestructible wisdom and power, signifying his ability to overcome obstacles and dispel ignorance. In his left hand, he cradles a skull-cup filled with nectar, representing the transmutation of negative emotions and the elixir of long life and immortality. This potent combination of symbols underscores his role as a protector and guide, capable of leading beings to liberation. The presence of the damaru drum, a symbol of the impermanence of all things, is also a characteristic attribute, though not explicitly held in this rendition, it is often associated with his dynamic activity. The masterful craftsmanship evident in the detailing of his monastic robes, with their intricate patterns and flowing folds, speaks to the skill of Nepalese artisans. The rich texture and the way the gold catches the light create a sense of vibrant life, making the statue not just an object of devotion but a work of art that inspires awe and reverence.

A Legacy of Enlightenment

Guru Padmasambhava is traditionally believed to have been born miraculously from a lotus flower in the kingdom of Uddiyana. He journeyed to Tibet in the 8th century at the behest of King Trisong Detsen, where he is credited with subduing local demons and spirits, converting them to protectors of the Dharma, and establishing the first Buddhist monastery at Samye. His teachings and practices, passed down through generations, form the core of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. This statue serves as a tangible link to that rich spiritual heritage, offering a focal point for contemplation, prayer, and the cultivation of inner peace and enlightenment. Its substantial size and the opulent use of gold and copper make it a commanding presence, suitable for a shrine room or as a significant centerpiece in any sacred 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.

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.