Primordial Buddha Vajrasattva

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Name: Primordial Buddha Vajrasattva
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZAM48
Price: 260.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$299

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	ZAM48
	Copper Statue Gilded with 24 Karat Gold
	Height: 8 inch
	Width: 5.5 inch
	Depth: 3.5 inch
	Weight 1.45 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.

Embodiment of Purity and Vajra Strength

This exquisite statue depicts Vajrasattva, a central figure in Vajrayana Buddhism, revered as the primordial Buddha of purification and the embodiment of the Vajra nature – the indestructible diamond-like essence of enlightenment. Crafted from high-quality copper, the statue is then meticulously gilded with 24-karat gold, bestowing upon it a radiant aura that reflects its profound spiritual significance. The intricate detailing showcases the artist's mastery, bringing to life the serene yet powerful presence of this celestial being. ––––––––––

Iconography and Spiritual Significance

Vajrasattva is often depicted in a seated posture, symbolizing his grounded wisdom and unwavering stability. In this rendition, he holds the Vajra (thunderbolt scepter) in his right hand, positioned at his heart. The Vajra represents the ultimate reality – unshakable, indivisible, and pure – and the power to cut through all delusions and negativities. His left hand, resting in his lap, holds a Ghanta (bell), which symbolizes wisdom and the emptiness of phenomena. The union of the Vajra and Ghanta signifies the perfect union of method and wisdom, the two fundamental principles for achieving Buddhahood. The serene expression, adorned with a benevolent gaze and a subtle smile, conveys his boundless compassion and his role as a guide for practitioners on the path to liberation. His majestic crown and elaborate jewelry denote his status as a fully enlightened being, a king of the spiritual realm. ––––––––––

A Legacy of Purification

In Buddhist mythology, Vajrasattva is believed to have manifested to help sentient beings purify their negative karma and obscurations. The Vajrasattva practice, a powerful tantric meditation, is a cornerstone of Tibetan Buddhism for cleansing the mind and accumulating merit. It is said that through dedicated practice and sincere recitation of his mantra, one can purify even the most severe transgressions and attain enlightenment. This statue serves as a tangible reminder of this potent purification practice and an object of devotion, inspiring practitioners to cultivate inner purity and strength. The golden hue of the gilding symbolizes the radiant light of enlightenment and the preciousness of the spiritual path. ––––––––––

An Object of Contemplation and Beauty

Beyond its deep spiritual meaning, this statue is a testament to the artistic traditions of Buddhist iconography. The skilled craftsmanship is evident in every curve and contour, from the delicate rendering of his robes to the ornate design of the lotus pedestal upon which he rests. The subtle patina of the copper, combined with the shimmering gold, creates a dynamic and visually captivating piece. This Vajrasattva statue is not merely an artifact but a conduit for spiritual connection, inviting contemplation on the nature of purity, wisdom, and compassion. It is an ideal addition to any altar, meditation space, or a discerning collector's appreciation for sacred art, bringing a sense of peace and profound spiritual energy to its surroundings.

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.