The Medicine Buddha

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Name: The Medicine Buddha
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: RX86
Price: 220.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$253

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	RX86
	Copper Sculpture Gilded with 24 Karat Gold
	Height: 8.5 inch
	Width: 5.4 inch
	Depth: 4 inch
	Weight 1.82 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.

Healing Through Enlightenment

In Tibetan Buddhism, the concept of healing transcends the physical realm, embracing mental and spiritual well-being. At the heart of this holistic approach lies the figure of the Buddha who embodies the healing nature of enlightenment. This exquisite sculpture, meticulously crafted from copper and adorned with 24-karat gold gilding, depicts this revered figure in a serene meditative posture. The intricate detailing, from the elaborate robes to the delicate facial features, reflects the profound respect and devotion associated with the healing Buddha. Its dimensions, measuring 8.5 x 5.4 x 4.0 inches, make it a perfect addition to any shrine, meditation space, or as a symbol of peace and healing within your home.

The Myth and Meaning

The embodiment of the healing Buddha is considered to have made twelve vows upon attaining enlightenment, each dedicated to the alleviation of suffering and the promotion of well-being. It is believed that by meditating upon the image of this Buddha, reciting their mantra, or even simply keeping an image nearby, one can invoke their healing energy and receive blessings for health and peace. The right hand rests upon the right knee in the varada mudra, symbolizing compassion, offering blessings and granting wishes. In the left hand, rests a lapis bowl containing medicinal nectar, symbolizing the potent cure for the diseases of body, mind, and spirit.

Artisan Craftsmanship

This statue is more than just a beautiful object; it is a testament to the skill and dedication of the artisans who created it. The copper form is carefully molded and refined, then gilded with 24-karat gold, a time-honored process that brings out the brilliance and highlights the intricate details of the sculpture. The use of these materials is not merely aesthetic; copper is known for its conductive properties, symbolizing the flow of energy, while gold represents purity and enlightenment. Displaying this figure in your home is an invitation to mindfulness, compassion, and well-being. Let this golden reminder serve as a constant inspiration, guiding you on the path towards inner peace, balance, and the ultimate healing of enlightenment.

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.