Palden Lhamo

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Name: Palden Lhamo
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: EA89
Price: 185.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$213

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	EA89
	Antiquated Copper Sculpture gilted with 24 Karat Gold
	5.0" x 3.1" x 2.5"
	Weight 1 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.

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About the Sculpture

This striking sculpture captures the fierce presence of a deity deeply revered within Tibetan Buddhism. Crafted from antiquated copper and meticulously gilted with 24 Karat Gold, the statue exudes an aura of both power and ancient wisdom. Measuring 5.0" x 3.1" x 2.5", this meticulously detailed work of art brings a palpable sense of sacred energy to any space. ###

The Fierce Protector

This depiction embodies a powerful protector within the Buddhist pantheon, a figure known for her unwavering dedication to upholding dharma and safeguarding practitioners from harm. Her fierce appearance is not meant to inspire fear, but rather to symbolize her relentless compassion and her ability to overcome obstacles on the path to enlightenment. The symbolism in her depiction is rich and layered, each element contributing to a deeper understanding of her role and significance.

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Iconography and Symbolism

The wrathful appearance, often portrayed with exposed fangs, a third eye, and a crown of skulls, represents the destruction of negativity and ignorance. The skulls are a reminder of impermanence and the ultimate nature of reality. The deity often rides atop a mule or donkey, symbolizing her dynamic energy and ability to swiftly overcome obstacles. The bowl she carries is typically filled with blood, a symbol of the conquered ego and the triumph over negative emotions. Serpents often adorn her, symbolic of her triumph over negative spirits and energies. The practice of invoking and meditating on this deity is believed to offer protection from obstacles, dispel negativity, and promote spiritual growth. Her unwavering dedication to dharma serves as a reminder to all practitioners to persevere on their path, even in the face of adversity. This exquisitely crafted statue serves as a potent reminder of the transformative power of compassion and the unwavering protection offered to those who seek refuge in the dharma. It makes a powerful statement piece for any altar, meditation space, or collection of sacred art.

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.