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.
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.
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