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100% Handmade
100% Handmade
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MADE IN INDIA.

Milarepa

$52
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
EO09
Copper Statue
Height: 2.6 inch
Width: 2.3 inch
Depth: 1.4 inch
Weight 250 gm
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.
This statue is part of our collection of Small Sized Statues

A Figure of Spiritual Triumph

Behold, a miniature embodiment of perseverance and enlightenment, meticulously crafted from copper. This statue depicts a revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism, a yogi celebrated for his extraordinary life journey. He is seated in a meditative pose, the quintessential posture of deep contemplation and spiritual awareness. Note the right hand raised, a gesture often associated with listening to the inner sounds of the void, or perhaps expressing the joy of realization, or calling on people to listen. The left hand holds a begging bowl, a symbol of detachment and the simple life embraced by those on the path to enlightenment. Each detail of this statue, from the serene expression on his face to the simple robe draped across his body, reflects a dedication to spiritual values. This isn't just a decorative object; it's a tangible representation of ideals valued for centuries.

Echoes of the Himalayas

This statue draws inspiration from the towering Himalayas, the geographical and spiritual heartland of Tibetan Buddhism. The copper material adds a depth and warmth that speaks to the raw, natural beauty of the mountainous landscape. Its compact size makes it suitable for placement on an altar, a desk, or any space where you seek a touch of serenity and inspiration. The statue, with dimensions of 2.6 x 2.3 x 1.4 inches, is a reminder of the profound teachings and enduring power of the spiritual journey.

The Story of a Saint: From Black Magic to Buddhahood

The image captures a figure whose life is not just a biography, but a legend woven into the very fabric of Tibetan Buddhist practice. Born in the 11th century, his early life was marked by hardship and a thirst for revenge. He delved into the dark arts, mastering black magic to avenge the wrongs inflicted upon his family. But karma, as it always does, caught up with him. Overwhelmed by guilt and remorse, he sought redemption, turning to Buddhism and embracing the path of enlightenment. His transformation is a testament to the power of repentance and the possibility of spiritual rebirth. He became a disciple of Marpa the Translator, enduring rigorous trials and tribulations. Through unwavering devotion and intense meditation, he ultimately achieved enlightenment, becoming one of the most celebrated yogis and poets in Tibetan history. His songs and poems, passed down through generations, continue to inspire and guide seekers on their own spiritual journeys. Owning a statue, like this one, brings the history and power to inspire a spiritual and positive life.

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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