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Tibetan Buddhist Deity Vajrasattva

$224
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
ZAL23
Copper Statue
Height: 6.5 inch
Width: 5 inch
Depth: 2.3 inch
Weight 720 gm
Delivery and Return Policies
Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
Free Delivery
Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

Embodiment of Purity and Enlightenment

This exquisite copper statue captures the serene and powerful presence of Vajrasattva, a significant deity in Tibetan Buddhism. Vajrasattva, often depicted as a bodhisattva or a sambhogakaya buddha, is revered as the embodiment of the purity of enlightened mind and the essence of Vajrayana teachings. He is considered the source of all Vajrayana mantras and is invoked for purification, confession, and the overcoming of negativities.

Iconographic Significance and Artistic Mastery

The artistry of this statue is evident in every detail, reflecting centuries of tradition and devotion. Vajrasattva is typically depicted seated in a meditative posture, often the vajra-posture or lotus posture, symbolizing stability and spiritual attainment. His tranquil expression, with closed or half-closed eyes, conveys deep contemplation and boundless compassion. He is adorned with princely ornaments, including a crown, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, signifying his divine status and the richness of the awakened mind. In one hand, he often holds a vajra (a ritual thunderbolt), representing skillful means and the indestructible nature of enlightenment. In the other, he may hold a bell (ghanta), symbolizing wisdom. The detailed rendering of his robes, the delicate curves of his limbs, and the intricate ornamentation on his crown all speak to the skill of the artisan and the profound spiritual significance attributed to this form.

A Symbol of Purification and Inner Peace

In Buddhist mythology, Vajrasattva plays a crucial role in the practice of confession and purification. It is believed that by meditating on and reciting the mantra of Vajrasattva, practitioners can purify themselves of negative karma, obscurations, and harmful states of mind. This practice is essential for preparing the mind for deeper spiritual insights and for maintaining the integrity of one's path. The presence of this statue in a home or meditation space serves as a constant reminder of the potential for purity and transformation within oneself, inspiring practitioners to cultivate mindfulness, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the path of enlightenment. The enduring beauty of the copper medium adds to its spiritual gravitas, suggesting an eternal quality and a connection to the timeless wisdom of the Buddha.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
  • Q. Is the statue hollow or solid ?
    A. Brass statues are made through a process of clay casting, hence are hollow. Whereas, panchaloha bronze statues are made through a process of lost wax casting, hence they are solid.
  • Q. Can I return the statue ?
    A. Of course you can return a statue. Returns need to be initiated within seven (7) days after delivery. All returned items must be in new and unused condition, with all original tags and labels attached. To know more about our Return Policy, please visit Return Policy.
  • Q. Can you customise the statue for me ?
    A. For any customisation, kindly email us at help@exoticindia.com.
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