Manjushri - Bodhisattva of Transcendent Wisdom

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Name: Manjushri - Bodhisattva of Transcendent Wisdom
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: RE98
Price: 330.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$380

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Specifications

	RE98
	Copper Sculpture Gilded with 24 Karat Gold and Wooden Pedestal
	Height: 8 inch
	Width: 8 inch
	Depth: 4 inch
	Weight 1.22 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
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Fully Insured

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100% Handmade

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MADE IN INDIA.

The Embodiment of Wisdom

Behold the majestic form, a testament to the power of enlightened understanding. This meticulously crafted sculpture captures the serene strength and compassionate insight that defines the Bodhisattva revered for his supreme wisdom. The figure sits in a meditative pose upon a lotus pedestal, a symbol of purity and spiritual awakening rising above the muddy waters of samsara. This exquisite piece is a visual representation of the transformative power of knowledge. The gilded surface radiates a warm, inviting light, reflecting the brilliance of wisdom that banishes ignorance and reveals the true nature of reality. Every detail, from the intricately carved robes to the delicate hand gestures, speaks to the dedication and artistry involved in its creation.

Symbolism and Iconography

The Bodhisattva is often depicted holding a flaming sword, known as the khadga, which represents the cutting away of ignorance and delusion. With its sharp edge, it severs the bonds that tie us to suffering, illuminating the path towards enlightenment. In the other hand, the figure holds a lotus flower, upon which rests a book, representing the Perfection of Wisdom. This sacred text symbolizes the profound understanding that liberates us from the cycle of rebirth. Beyond the individual symbols, the Bodhisattva's serene expression is a potent reminder of the inner peace that arises from cultivating wisdom and compassion. The overall composition invites contemplation and inspires the viewer to seek deeper understanding within themselves.

A Legacy of Enlightenment

Within Buddhist lore, this Bodhisattva is associated with numerous inspiring narratives. One such tale recounts how he vowed to postpone his own enlightenment until all beings had achieved liberation. This profound act of compassion underscores his dedication to guiding others on the path towards awakening. Through skillful means and unwavering resolve, he helps beings overcome obstacles and realize their own inherent potential for wisdom and compassion. This depiction, crafted with a copper sculpture gilded with 24 Karat Gold and seated upon a wooden pedestal, will be a reminder to cultivate wisdom, dispel ignorance, and strive for the liberation of all beings. It measures 8.0 x 8.0 x 4.0 inches, a size perfect for contemplation. Its presence serves as a constant source of inspiration and a reminder of the transformative power of enlightened understanding.

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.