Tibetan Buddhist Deity Padmasambhava - Made in Nepal

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Name: Tibetan Buddhist Deity Padmasambhava - Made in Nepal
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZEN116
Price: 330.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$413

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Specifications

	ZEN116
	Copper Statue From Nepal
	Height: 6.5 inch
	Width: 3 inch
	Depth: 4.2 inch
	Weight 850 gm

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Fully Insured

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100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Beacon of Enlightenment

This exquisite copper statue, meticulously crafted in Nepal, depicts Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava, the "Lotus-Born" master. Revered as the second Buddha in Tibetan Buddhism, Padmasambhava is instrumental in bringing the teachings of Vajrayana Buddhism to Tibet in the 8th century. His presence is said to tame demonic forces, overcome obstacles, and bestow profound wisdom and spiritual attainment. This statue captures his serene yet powerful essence, making it a powerful focal point for meditation and devotion.

Iconography and Symbolism

Padmasambhava is depicted here in his characteristic regal attire, adorned with intricate jewelry and a crown that signifies his enlightened status. His right hand is raised in a gesture of offering or blessing, while his left hand cradles a skull-cup filled with nectar, representing the elixir of immortality and the transformation of negative energies. He holds a vajra (thunderbolt scepter) in his right hand, symbolizing indestructibility and spiritual power, and a khatvanga (trident staff) in his left, representing the union of skillful means and wisdom. The lotus throne upon which he sits symbolizes purity and spiritual awakening, emerging from the muddy waters of worldly existence into the clear light of enlightenment. The details in the robes and ornamentation speak to the rich artistic traditions of Tibetan craftsmanship, passed down through generations.

The Legend of the Lotus-Born

The legend of Padmasambhava's birth is as extraordinary as his teachings. It is said that he miraculously appeared on a lotus flower in Lake Dhanakosha in the kingdom of Oddiyana (present-day Swat Valley, Pakistan). His unparalleled knowledge and mastery of tantric practices were evident from his youth. Invited to Tibet by King Trisong Detsen, who sought to establish Buddhism in the region, Padmasambhava faced significant resistance from local deities and demons. Through his compassion, wisdom, and miraculous powers, he subdued these obstructing forces, converting them into protectors of the Dharma, thus paving the way for the flourishing of Buddhism in Tibet. This statue embodies his triumph over adversity and his enduring legacy as the foremost proponent of Vajrayana Buddhism in the Land of Snows. This finely detailed copper statue from Nepal serves not only as a beautiful work of art but also as a potent reminder of the profound teachings and blessings of Padmasambhava. Its presence can inspire spiritual practice, cultivate inner peace, and foster a deeper connection to the Buddhist path.

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.