Shadabhuja
Sita (White) Mahakala, is a distinctive aspect of the ferocious emanation of Bodhisattva
Avalokiteshvara, revered by his followers to attain financial abundance in
life. In this stunning statue from Nepal,
Mahakala has a beautiful white tone on his body, which is adorned by brocaded
attire and the five-pronged crown to give him a splendid aura. Placed on an
elaborately painted lotus platform, Mahakala is haloed by a fiery aureole,
which symbolizes the powers of enlightenment.
Deity of Generosity and Wealth
Behold the embodiment of compassion and abundance: a meticulously crafted representation of a revered protector deity. This form, known for his white complexion which represents immaculate wisdom and purity, stands as a beacon of financial prosperity and spiritual well-being. Each detail, from the fiery halo that surrounds him to the intricate ornaments adorning his form, speaks volumes about the rich artistic heritage of Nepal, where this statue was lovingly created. The skilled artisans who fashioned this sculpture have captured not only the deity's fierce countenance but also the underlying benevolence and protective energy that emanates from him.A Glimpse into Buddhist Iconography
This captivating representation showcases a powerful figure in Tibetan Buddhism. He is often depicted with six arms, each wielding a symbolic implement that signifies his ability to overcome obstacles and bestow blessings upon devotees. His six arms are thought to symbolize the six perfections (paramitas) that lead to enlightenment: generosity, discipline, patience, diligence, concentration, and wisdom. The flaming aureola that encircles the figure represents the transformative power of wisdom, burning away ignorance and illusion. The figure's stance suggests dynamic activity, a constant readiness to act on behalf of those who seek his aid. Observe that beneath his feet lie figures representing obstacles, symbolizing his triumph over negativity.Crafted with Devotion
Every aspect of this statue reflects the dedication and skill of the Nepalese artisans who brought it to life. The base material of copper provides a sturdy foundation for the intricate details, ensuring longevity and durability. Further enhancing the statue's radiance and sacredness, each statue has been covered in 24 karat gold gilding, a symbol of purity and preciousness in Buddhist art. The vibrant colors used in the painting highlight the various symbolic elements, making this statue a visually stunning and spiritually resonant addition to any sacred space. The meticulous craftsmanship is evident in every curve, line, and detail, reflecting the profound respect for the deity and the artistic tradition.Invite Blessings into Your Home
This sculpture is more than just a decorative piece; it is a powerful symbol of protection, prosperity, and spiritual growth. Placing it in your home or meditation space creates a focal point for devotion, inviting positive energy and dispelling negativity. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner of Buddhism or simply someone who appreciates fine art and spiritual symbolism, this statue is sure to inspire and uplift. Let this sacred image serve as a reminder of the boundless compassion and wisdom that resides within us all.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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