Shakyamuni Buddha in Bhumisparsha Mudra

Email

Whatsapp

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Copy link

Name: Shakyamuni Buddha in Bhumisparsha Mudra
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: RG49
Price: 360.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$414

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Notify me when this item is available

Specifications

	RG49
	Copper Sculpture Gilded with 24 Karat Gold
	Height: 9.5 inch
	Width: 8 inch
	Depth: 5.5 inch
	Weight 1.74 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.

The Awakening of Shakyamuni

Behold the sublime presence of Shakyamuni Buddha, seated in serene meditation, meticulously crafted from copper and resplendent with 24 Karat gold gilding. This Nepalese sculpture captures the defining moment of Siddhartha Gautama’s journey to enlightenment, an embodiment of unwavering resolve and the ultimate triumph over worldly illusion. The figure, measuring 9.5 x 8.0 x 5.5 inches, presents a visual representation of the profound spiritual power that changed the course of history.

The Significance of Bhumisparsha Mudra

The hand gesture, or mudra, is known as Bhumisparsha, often translated as "earth-touching." It is the gesture of calling the Earth to witness the Buddha's enlightenment. Legend tells that as Siddhartha sat beneath the Bodhi tree, Mara, the demon of illusion and desire, assailed him with temptations and doubts, attempting to prevent him from achieving enlightenment. Mara unleashed armies of demons and offered alluring visions, but Siddhartha remained steadfast, unmoved in his meditation. He then reached down and touched the earth with his right hand, calling upon the Earth Goddess, Sthavara, to bear witness to his countless lifetimes of accumulated merit and spiritual practice, finally overcoming Mara. This dramatic moment is powerfully depicted in this sculpture.

Craftsmanship and Artistic Heritage

This artwork hails from Nepal, a land steeped in Buddhist tradition and renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship. Nepalese artisans have perfected the art of metal sculpture over centuries, passing down techniques and artistic sensibilities from generation to generation. The copper base provides a sturdy foundation, while the generous layer of 24 Karat gold imparts a divine radiance, reflecting the inner luminosity of the enlightened being. The details, from the serene expression on the Buddha’s face to the intricate lotus petal base upon which he sits, demonstrate the skill and dedication of the artist. The statue portrays Shakyamuni's ushnisha, a cranial protuberance that symbolizes wisdom and enlightenment. His elongated earlobes, a sign of renunciation, serve as a poignant reminder of his princely past. He is also seen holding a begging bowl, symbolic of the simple life he led as a monk. The statue is also made according to the proportions laid out in the scriptures. The face is serene, conveying a profound sense of peace. This sculpture is more than just a beautiful object; it is a tangible representation of a profound spiritual journey and a powerful reminder of the potential for enlightenment that resides within each of us. It serves as a focal point for contemplation, a source of inspiration, and a connection to the rich artistic and spiritual heritage of Nepal.

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.