Milarepa (Mi-la-ras-pa)

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Name: Milarepa (Mi-la-ras-pa)
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: XB16
Price: 360.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$414

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	XB16
	Copper Sculpture
	Height: 7.2 inch
	Width: 5 inch
	Depth: 2.6 inch
	Weight 1.19 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

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Fully Insured

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100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Masterpiece in Copper

Behold, a meticulously crafted copper sculpture, an embodiment of serene devotion and profound enlightenment. This remarkable piece captures the essence of a revered figure, a testament to artistry and spiritual resonance. It is a visual poem, rendered in the enduring beauty of copper, designed to bring peace and inspiration to its surroundings.

The Legacy of the Yogi-Poet

This statue portrays a pivotal figure in Tibetan Buddhism, known for his extraordinary life and spiritual achievements. His journey from a life marked by revenge to one of profound spiritual enlightenment is one of the most compelling narratives in Tibetan culture. The statue presents the subject in a contemplative pose, often seated, with his right hand raised to his ear as if listening to the songs of the universe. This gesture symbolizes his deep connection to sound, mantra, and the teachings of the Dharma. His physical representation, often depicted as gaunt from years of meditation and ascetic practice, serves as a reminder of the transformative power of dedication and perseverance. His life story, filled with trials and ultimate triumph, resonates with those seeking to overcome adversity and find inner peace. As such, this piece is more than just an objet d'art; it’s a symbol of human potential for growth, compassion, and enlightenment.

Craftsmanship and Detail

This statue is a testament to the enduring appeal of copper as a medium for artistic expression. The natural warm tones of the metal highlight the figure's ascetic features, and the smooth, polished surface accentuates the folds of his robes. The attention to detail in this sculpture is truly remarkable. From the serene expression on his face to the intricate details on the base where he sits, every element has been carefully considered to create a truly captivating piece of art. The dimensions of this statue allows for placement in various spaces, whether it be a personal meditation corner or as a focal point in a living area. The meticulous rendering of the subject will captivate the eye, drawing the viewer into a deeper appreciation for the art and the spiritual depth it represents.

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.