Padmasambhava

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Name: Padmasambhava
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZO91
Price: 185.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$213

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	ZO91
	Copper Sculpture gilded with 24 Karat Gold
	Height: 5.3 inch
	Width: 3.5 inch
	Depth: 2.5 inch
	Weight 4 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 Bridge Between Worlds

This exquisite statue presents a powerful depiction of a revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism. Crafted from copper and gilded with radiant 24 Karat Gold, this piece embodies the essence of spiritual strength and transformative energy. Its compact size, measuring 5.3 x 3.5 x 2.5 inches, makes it perfect for personal altars, meditation spaces, or as a captivating addition to any collection. The sculpture showcases remarkable detail, from the intricate patterns adorning the robes to the serene yet resolute expression on the face. The gleaming gold finish further accentuates the divine nature of the subject, bestowing an aura of sacredness.

The Lotus-Born Vajra Master: A Historical and Spiritual Context

This statue commemorates a pivotal figure credited with bringing Buddhism to Tibet in the 8th century. Legend says he wasn't born in the usual way, but miraculously appeared as an eight-year-old child inside a lotus blossom floating on Lake Dhanakosha. This extraordinary birth is reflected in his name. Known for subduing malevolent spirits and local deities that hindered the establishment of Buddhism, he is revered for his mastery over tantric practices. He is often referred to as the "Second Buddha" and is considered the founder of Tibetan Buddhism's oldest school. Tales abound of his incredible feats, from transforming rivers to crossing mountains in a single stride. He is depicted seated in the lotus position on a lotus base. His significance extends beyond historical accounts; he represents the embodiment of wisdom, compassion, and skillful means. He is revered for the profound teachings he imparted, many of which were concealed as "treasure teachings" to be discovered in future generations by destined individuals, known as tertöns.

Symbolic Attributes and Significance

The khatvanga that he is holding has multiple layers of meaning. In one form, it symbolizes the breaking of attachments and conventional understandings. This is shown by the skulls on the top of the wand. In another form it symbolizes the union of wisdom and skillful means. The symbolism embodied in this statue makes it a potent reminder of the potential for spiritual transformation. Every element, from the material used to the meticulously crafted details, contributes to the overall impact of this inspiring work of art. It serves not only as an object of beauty but also as a tangible connection to the rich history and profound teachings of Tibetan Buddhism.

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.