The Medicine Buddha

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Name: The Medicine Buddha
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: RL41
Price: 505.00 USD
Availability: InStock

SG$754

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	RL41
	Copper Sculpture Gilded with 24 Carat Gold
	Height: 9 inch
	Width: 6.5 inch
	Depth: 4 inch
	Weight 2.34 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.

The Embodiment of Healing

This meticulously crafted copper sculpture, lavished with 24-carat gold gilding, embodies the compassionate essence of a revered figure. The serene expression, the gentle curve of the limbs, and the symbolic objects held within the hands all speak to the powerful role this figure holds in the spiritual lives of many. This is more than just a statue; it is a tangible representation of healing, well-being, and liberation from suffering. The rich patina of the gold lends an antique character that suggests history, reverence, and the countless blessings bestowed upon those who seek solace and health. It is a visual reminder of the potential for healing within oneself and the world.

The Mythology of the Healer

According to Buddhist tradition, this figure is a Bodhisattva who made twelve vows upon attaining enlightenment. These vows encompass not only spiritual awakening but also the alleviation of physical and mental ailments. He pledged to heal all beings of illness, physical discomfort, and mental anguish, offering remedies for suffering of all kinds. Legend tells of his pure land, made of lapis lazuli, where he resides, radiating healing energy throughout the cosmos. It is believed that simply visualizing his form, chanting his mantra, or possessing an image of him can bring about positive changes in health and well-being. The belief is so pervasive that his mantra is chanted by those seeking healing for themselves or others, and his image is placed in homes, temples, and hospitals, serving as a beacon of hope and recovery.

Craftsmanship and Spiritual Significance

The sculpture itself is a testament to skilled craftsmanship, with intricate details bringing the deity to life. Note the careful shaping of the lotus, a traditional symbol of purity and enlightenment, nestled in his left hand. In his right, he holds a bowl filled with medicinal nectar, representing the cures for all diseases of body and mind. This is not mass produced; it’s a unique art piece. Every curve, every contour, and every gilded surface speaks to the devotion and artistry that went into its creation. Its presence in a home, office, or meditation space is intended to create an atmosphere of peace, healing, and positive energy. In Buddhist practice, having such a statue is more than decoration; it is an act of cultivating compassion and wisdom, bringing one closer to the path of enlightenment and well-being.

Dimensions

The copper sculpture measures 9.0 x 6.5 x 4.0 inches.

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.