Tibetan Buddhist Deity Manjushri

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Name: Tibetan Buddhist Deity Manjushri
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZDF08
Price: 1320.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$1518

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Manjushri hails from the Buddhist pantheon of Bodhisattvas or enlightened beings. Representative of wisdom and insight, Manjushree always has a tender composure of countenance and wields a decisive sword to severe all forms of delusion. Sculpted with great skill from copper and gilded with the purest of golds, this Bodhisattva statue from the Exotic India collection is a collectible.

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Specifications

	ZDF08
	Copper Statue Gilded with 24 Karat Gold
	Height: 12.3 inch
	Width: 8.5 inch
	Depth: 5 inch
	Weight 2.88 kg

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The Bodhisattva of Wisdom: Manjushri

Behold this exquisite copper statue, meticulously gilded with pure 24-karat gold, depicting Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom in Mahayana Buddhism. Manjushri is one of the most revered figures in the Buddhist pantheon, often invoked for enlightenment, intelligence, and the discernment to overcome ignorance. His name itself, "Manjushri," translates to "Gentle Glory," signifying the serene and radiant nature of true wisdom.

Symbolism and Iconography

In this majestic representation, Manjushri is seated in the lotus posture, a symbol of purity and spiritual ascension. His right hand is raised, wielding a flaming sword, the iconic emblem of wisdom that cuts through the darkness of delusion and misunderstanding. The flame signifies the illuminating power of insight, capable of dispelling all forms of ignorance. In his left hand, he holds the stem of a lotus flower, upon which rests a Prajnaparamita sutra, the "Perfection of Wisdom" scripture. This juxtaposition beautifully illustrates that wisdom, when cultivated and understood, leads to the realization of ultimate truth. His serene countenance, adorned with a five-jeweled crown symbolizing the five Buddhas, and his tranquil gaze exude compassion and profound understanding. The intricate detailing of his robes, jewelry, and the ornate lotus base further enhances the statue's spiritual aura and artistic merit.

Manjushri in Buddhist Lore

Tales and legends surrounding Manjushri abound, emphasizing his role as a spiritual guide and intellectual beacon. It is said that Manjushri appeared to the Buddha and asked him profound questions, demonstrating his insatiable thirst for knowledge. He is considered the spiritual son of the Buddha and is often depicted as a youthful prince, signifying the freshness and ever-renewing nature of wisdom. In Tibet, Manjushri is deeply venerated, and many pilgrims travel to sacred sites associated with him, seeking his blessings for clarity of mind and the ability to overcome obstacles through insight. This statue serves as a tangible reminder of these ancient traditions and the enduring power of wisdom.

Artistry and Craftsmanship

This statue is a testament to the skill and dedication of traditional artisans. Crafted from high-quality copper, it has been expertly gilded with the finest 24-karat gold, imbuing it with a celestial glow that captures the divine essence of Manjushri. The intricate carving and detailed embellishments reflect a profound understanding of Buddhist iconography and aesthetic principles. The smooth finish and substantial weight speak to the superior craftsmanship and the enduring quality of the materials used. Whether displayed in a sacred space for personal devotion or as a centerpiece in a collection of religious art, this statue is sure to inspire contemplation and foster a deeper connection to the pursuit of wisdom. Its presence will undoubtedly enrich any environment with a sense of peace, knowledge, and divine grace.

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.