With a countenance that appears as delicate as a
freshly bloomed lotus, Buddha in this gilded copper statue from Nepal soothes
the mind and takes away all the troubling thoughts in an instant. Enthroned on
a large golden lotus symbolizing the glory of his supreme wisdom, Buddha is in
the Bhumisparsha mudra. The golden robe that wraps his heavenly body has been
covered in legends and episodes from the life of Buddha, reminding the follower
of the simplest path to Nirvana- following in the footsteps of Tathagata.
A Symbol of Enlightenment from the Himalayas
This exquisite statue embodies the serene presence of Shakyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, originating from the sacred land of Nepal. Crafted with meticulous artistry, the figure is cast in copper and meticulously gilded with pure gold, reflecting a radiant aura of divinity and spiritual profundity. The deep black of the hair and the finely sculpted features, including the characteristic urna on the forehead and the elongated earlobes, are rendered with exceptional detail, capturing the very essence of the Awakened One.The Noble Seat of Wisdom
The Buddha is depicted in the traditional lotus posture, a symbol of purity and spiritual unfolding. His hands are in the *Bhumisparsha Mudra*, the earth-touching gesture. This mudra signifies the moment of enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, when Mara, the demon of illusion, tempted Siddhartha. The Buddha called upon the Earth goddess to bear witness to his victory over desire and delusion, solidifying his attainment of Nirvana. The base upon which he sits is a double lotus throne, intricately carved, representing the stages of spiritual ascent and the blossoming of wisdom. The opulent gold gilding amplifies the sense of sacredness and enduring peace that emanates from this powerful representation.Craftsmanship Rooted in Tradition
Nepal has long been a cradle of Buddhist art and philosophy, and this statue is a testament to that rich heritage. The Nepalese tradition of metal casting and gilding is ancient, passed down through generations of skilled artisans. Each detail, from the flowing robes adorned with intricate patterns to the gentle, compassionate expression on the Buddha's face, speaks of devotion and reverence. The use of gold is particularly significant, symbolizing purity, enlightenment, and the ultimate reality. It is believed that the presence of such a statue can purify the environment and inspire contemplative thought, bringing a sense of tranquility and spiritual insight into any space it graces.An Object of Devotion and Beauty
More than just a decorative piece, this Shakyamuni Buddha statue is an invitation to connect with profound spiritual principles. It serves as a powerful reminder of the path to liberation and the potential for inner peace within all beings. Whether placed in a home shrine, meditation space, or as a focal point of aesthetic appreciation, its luminous presence is sure to inspire awe and contemplation, offering a tangible connection to the timeless wisdom of the Buddha. Its substantial form and radiant finish make it a truly remarkable work of sacred art, destined to be cherished for years to come.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.
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