Tibetan Buddhist Deity Buddha in Earth -Touching Gesture (Made in Nepal)

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Name: Tibetan Buddhist Deity Buddha in Earth -Touching Gesture (Made in Nepal)
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZEC90
Price: 990.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$1238

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Specifications

	ZEC90
	Copper Sculpture gilted with 24 Karat Gold
	Height: 0 inch
	Width: 12.6 inch
	Depth: 8.5 inch
	Weight 3.80 kg

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Fully Insured

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100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Symbol of Enlightenment and Earthly Connection

This exquisite copper sculpture, meticulously crafted in Nepal and gilded with pure 24-karat gold, captures the serene presence of the Buddha in a gesture of profound spiritual significance. The image depicts the Buddha seated in a meditative posture, his right hand extended downwards, fingertips lightly touching the earth. This mudra, known as the Bhumisparsha Mudra, or "earth-touching gesture," is one of the most potent and widely recognized symbols in Buddhist iconography. The Bhumisparsha Mudra commemorates a pivotal moment in the Buddha's journey towards enlightenment. According to tradition, as Siddhartha Gautama sat beneath the Bodhi tree, he was assailed by Mara, the embodiment of illusion and temptation. Mara sent forth his demon armies and his seductive daughters to try and break Siddhartha's concentration. Siddhartha remained steadfast, and with his right hand touching the earth, he called upon the earth itself to bear witness to his resolve and his right to attain enlightenment. The earth, personified as the goddess Bhumi, responded by shaking with a powerful affirmation, thus dispelling Mara's influence and paving the way for Siddhartha's ultimate awakening. The intricate detailing of this statue speaks to the deep cultural and religious heritage from which it originates. The serene expression on the Buddha's face, the gentle curve of his lips, and the slightly downcast gaze all convey a sense of immense wisdom and compassion. The flowing robes are adorned with delicate patterns, hinting at the rich tapestry of Buddhist art and symbolism found in the Himalayan region. The lustrous gold gilding not only enhances the visual splendor of the piece but also represents purity, divinity, and the radiant nature of enlightenment itself.

Artistry from the Heart of Nepal

The creation of such sacred art is a tradition deeply ingrained in Nepalese culture. For centuries, Nepalese artisans have been renowned for their mastery of metalworking and their profound understanding of Buddhist iconography. Each statue is not merely an object of beauty but a vessel for spiritual energy, imbued with prayers and intentions by the skilled craftspeople who bring it to life. This particular sculpture, born from this rich artistic lineage, is a testament to the enduring power of Buddhist philosophy and the timeless appeal of its profound teachings. Placing this statue in your home or meditation space can serve as a constant reminder of the path to inner peace and enlightenment. It invites contemplation on themes of perseverance, the overcoming of obstacles, and the deep interconnectedness of all beings with the natural world. Its presence can foster an atmosphere of tranquility and mindfulness, offering a sanctuary from the demands of everyday life and a focal point for spiritual practice. This is more than just a decorative item; it is a piece of living tradition, carrying centuries of devotion and artistry into your personal space.

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.