Maitreya

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Name: Maitreya
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: EB93
Price: 615.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$576.75

$769

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Specifications

	EB93
	Copper Sculpture Gilded with 24 Karat Gold
	Height: 11 inch
	Width: 6.5 inch
	Depth: 4 inch
	Weight 2.15 kg

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Fully Insured

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100% Handmade

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MADE IN INDIA.

Envisioning the Future Buddha

This exquisite statue invites you to contemplate the profound teachings and benevolent presence of the Future Buddha. Crafted from copper and meticulously gilded with 24-karat gold, this piece embodies the hope and promise of a golden age to come. Every detail, from the serene expression to the elaborate embellishments, speaks to the profound reverence for this figure in Buddhist traditions. Measuring 11.0 x 6.5 x 4.0 inches, this statue is a tangible reminder of the potential for enlightenment inherent within us all.

The Bodhisattva of Loving-Kindness

In Buddhist cosmology, Maitreya is revered as the bodhisattva who will eventually descend to earth and achieve complete enlightenment, becoming the next Buddha in our world. His name, derived from the Sanskrit word "maitrī," signifies loving-kindness, a virtue he embodies and represents. He is seen as the embodiment of universal compassion and the harbinger of a future where dharma flourishes, and all beings live in peace and harmony. Often depicted seated, as he is in this statue, with his feet positioned as if ready to stand and descend into the world, Maitreya is a symbol of hope and anticipation. He resides in the Tushita Heaven, awaiting the perfect time to be reborn on earth and renew the teachings of the Buddha. While the current Buddha, Gautama Buddha, established the initial path to enlightenment, it is believed that Maitreya will further illuminate this path and guide humanity toward an even deeper understanding of truth and compassion.

Symbolic Representation

The intricate design surrounding the central figure, is rich with symbolism. The ornate halo behind him suggests a celestial and divine being. The overall design is meticulously sculpted, showcasing a rich cultural and artistic heritage. The hand mudra suggests teaching. This statue is not just a decorative object but a powerful symbol of hope, compassion, and the potential for spiritual awakening. It serves as a focal point for meditation, contemplation, and a reminder to cultivate loving-kindness within ourselves and toward others. As you gaze upon this statue, envision a world filled with peace, harmony, and the wisdom of the dharma, and allow yourself to be inspired by the boundless potential of Maitreya's future reign.

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.