Made in Nepal - Fine Quality Mahakala (Tibetan Buddhist)

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Name: Made in Nepal - Fine Quality Mahakala (Tibetan Buddhist)
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZDX47
Price: 1760.00 USD
Availability: InStock

AU$2825

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	ZDX47
	Copper Statue
	Height: 12.5 inch
	Width: 9 inch
	Depth: 4 inch
	Weight 4.50 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	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.

An Embodiment of Divine Power and Protection

This striking copper statue depicts Mahakala, a powerful wrathful deity in Tibetan Buddhism, revered as a protector of the Dharma and a remover of obstacles. Originating from Nepal, a land rich in spiritual heritage and artistic tradition, this piece is a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship and profound symbolism deeply embedded in Buddhist iconography. Mahakala's fierce and awe-inspiring form is not meant to instill fear, but rather to represent the intense energy required to overcome ignorance, delusion, and negative forces that hinder spiritual progress. He is the embodiment of vigilance, courage, and the ultimate triumph of wisdom over darkness.

Myths and Symbolism of the Great Black One

Mahakala, whose name translates to "The Great Black One," is a manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, in his wrathful aspect. This transformation underscores the Buddhist belief that compassion can manifest in powerful and decisive ways to protect the innocent and vanquish suffering. In various traditions, Mahakala is depicted with multiple faces and arms, each symbolizing different aspects of his power and dominion. The multiple eyes represent his all-seeing nature, perceiving all sentient beings and their needs. His fierce expression, fangs bared, and flames of wisdom surrounding him signify his ability to burn away impurities and negative karma. He is often shown trampling on obstacles, such as demons or negative energies, symbolizing his victory over the forces that impede enlightenment. The ritual implements he holds, such as the vajra (thunderbolt) and the skull-cup, further illustrate his role as a fierce protector and transformer of negative forces into wisdom.

Artistry and Devotion

This finely crafted copper statue is more than just an object of art; it is a focal point for devotion and meditation. Each detail, from the intricate ornamentation to the vibrant colors, is meticulously rendered by skilled artisans in Nepal, carrying on centuries-old artistic traditions. The choice of copper as the medium is significant, as it is believed to possess purifying qualities and enhances the spiritual potency of the deity. The dynamic posture and energetic aura captured in the statue invite contemplation and connect the devotee with the protective and transformative power of Mahakala. Owning such a piece is an opportunity to invite blessings, overcome challenges, and deepen one's spiritual practice, drawing inspiration from the profound wisdom and fierce compassion embodied by this revered protector deity.

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.