Tsongkhapa

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Name: Tsongkhapa
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: EO10
Price: 45.00 USD
Availability: InStock

₩54,643

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	EO10
	Copper Statue
	Height: 3.2 inch
	Width: 2.2 inch
	Depth: 1.3 inch
	Weight 200 gm

Delivery and Return Policies

	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

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Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
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100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Beacon of Wisdom

This exquisite copper statue, standing at a modest 3.2 x 2.2 x 1.3 inches, embodies a figure of profound spiritual importance. Crafted with meticulous detail, this piece invites contemplation and reverence. Notice the finely worked details of the robes, the serene expression on the face, and the intricate floral motifs adorning either side. The statue’s coppery hue lends it a timeless, earthy quality, making it a beautiful addition to any altar, meditation space, or personal collection.

The Man Behind the Myth

This statue portrays a revered figure known as a reformer of Tibetan Buddhism, and founder of the Gelug school, also known as the Yellow Hat school. Born in the Amdo region of Tibet, this figure is considered by many to be an emanation of Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of wisdom. Legend tells that even before his birth, he was destined for greatness, with prophecies foretelling his arrival as a pivotal figure in Buddhist history. The tradition recounts that a sandalwood tree sprung from the very spot where his umbilical cord fell after his birth, the leaves of which bore images of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. This individual embarked on a journey of profound learning and rigorous practice, becoming renowned for his extraordinary intellect and unwavering commitment to the Buddha's teachings. He is widely celebrated for his contributions to Buddhist philosophy, ethics, and monastic discipline. He is also known for his commentary on the Middle Way philosophy, providing a clear and systematic exposition that has guided countless practitioners towards enlightenment.

Symbolism in Form

The distinctive pointed hat that he is depicted wearing is symbolic of the Gelug school. His hands are in a distinctive mudra, or hand gesture, which has powerful meaning and is often seen in depictions. The lotuses that flank him on either side are further symbolic elements, connecting the figure with purity, spiritual awakening, and the potential for enlightenment inherent in all beings. Placed on a traditional lotus base, this small statue serves as a potent reminder of these principles and ideals.

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.