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MADE IN INDIA.

Manjushri,Tibetan Buddhist Bodhisattva of Transcendent Wisdom -Made in Nepal

$370.50
$494
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
ZEM668
COPPER STATUE FROM NEPAL
Height: 8.6 inch
Width: 3.5 inch
Depth: 6.5 inch
Weight 1.50 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
Free Delivery
Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

Embodying Transcendent Wisdom: The Radiance of Manjushri

This exquisite copper statue from Nepal captures the essence of Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Transcendent Wisdom in Mahayana Buddhism. Manjushri is revered as the embodiment of all the Buddhas' wisdom, a powerful force that cuts through ignorance and illusion, illuminating the path to enlightenment. His name itself, "Manjushri," translates to "Gentle Glory," reflecting his serene yet potent spiritual power. In Buddhist iconography, Manjushri is typically depicted as a youthful, radiant prince, symbolizing the fresh, unclouded perception of pure wisdom. He is often shown seated on a lotus throne, a symbol of purity and spiritual unfolding, and this statue beautifully represents that posture. His serene gaze and benevolent smile emanate a sense of deep understanding and compassion, inviting contemplation and inner peace.

Symbols of Illumination and Discernment

The attributes held by Manjushri are rich with symbolic meaning. In his raised right hand, he wields a flaming sword, the Prajna Khadga. This sacred sword is not meant for physical harm but represents the sharp edge of wisdom that severs the threads of ignorance, doubt, and delusion. It is the power to discern truth from falsehood, to cut through conceptual obscurities and the veils of negative emotions that obscure our true nature. In his left hand, often held at his heart or resting on a lotus, he carries a blue lotus flower, the Utpala. This lotus symbolizes the pristine nature of the enlightened mind, which blossoms forth, untainted by the mud of samsara (the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth). The bloom represents the unfolding of wisdom and the realization of ultimate reality. The presence of these iconic elements in the statue serves as a constant reminder of the power of wisdom to guide us toward liberation.

A Masterpiece Crafted in the Heart of Nepal

Crafted with meticulous detail by skilled artisans in Nepal, this copper statue is a testament to centuries of artistic tradition and spiritual devotion. Nepal, a land steeped in Buddhist history and culture, has long been a center for the creation of sacred art. The vibrant colors, the intricate ornamentation, and the lifelike rendering of Manjushri all speak to the profound respect and understanding the craftspeople bring to their work. Each stroke of the chisel and each application of pigment is infused with intention, transforming the copper into a conduit for divine energy. This statue is more than just a decorative object; it is a sacred vessel, an aid to meditation, and a source of inspiration for anyone seeking to cultivate wisdom and clarity in their lives.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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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