The Medicine Buddha

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Name: The Medicine Buddha
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: RS81
Price: 260.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$299

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	RS81
	Copper Sculpture Gilded with 24 Karat Gold
	Height: 8.3 inch
	Width: 5.3 inch
	Depth: 3.5 inch
	Weight 1.28 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.

Deity of Healing and Compassion

Contemplate the serene presence of the Buddha, an embodiment of healing and compassion. This meticulously crafted copper statue, adorned with 24-karat gold gilding, radiates a tranquil aura, inviting inner peace and well-being into its surroundings. It is a visual representation of the profound teachings of this revered figure. Seated in the lotus position, symbolizing purity and spiritual awakening, the statue resonates with a powerful energy capable of easing suffering and promoting holistic health. The intricate details, from the gentle curve of his smile to the folds of his robe, reflect the dedication of skilled artisans.

The Celestial Physician

The Buddha is one of the Eight Medicine Buddhas, each representing a different aspect of healing and enlightenment. According to ancient Buddhist texts, he vowed to alleviate the suffering of all beings, not only physical ailments but also mental and spiritual distress. He is believed to have attained enlightenment after countless lifetimes of accumulating merit and wisdom. The Medicine Buddha practice, deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism, involves visualization, mantra recitation, and offerings to invoke his blessings for healing and longevity. The story of this Buddha serves as a reminder of the inherent capacity for compassion and the transformative power of intention.

Iconography and Symbolism

Every element of this statue is imbued with symbolic meaning. In his left hand, he holds a lapis lazuli-colored begging bowl filled with nectar, representing the medicine that cures all diseases and poisons, both physical and spiritual. His right hand is in the varada mudra, the gesture of giving and compassion, offering blessings and relief to all who seek it. The lotus base upon which he sits symbolizes purity, renunciation, and spiritual awakening, arising unsullied from the muddy waters of samsara (the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth). The intricate detailing of the lotus petals signifies the blossoming of inner potential and the realization of enlightenment. To his left, resting upon a lotus is the myrobalan plant, another symbol of healing. Measuring 8.3 x 5.3 x 3.5 inches, this statue can become an inspiring focal point in a meditation space, a comforting presence in a healing room, or a cherished object for anyone seeking solace and spiritual guidance.

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.