Tsongkhapa in Buddhist culture
is the establisher of the Gelugpa sect, a prominent Vajrayana order to which
belong the Dalai Lamas. The heavenly aura of Tsongkhapa in these Nepalese
gilded copper statues symbolizes his pristine wisdom as the establisher of the
Yellow Hats and a great Buddhist master. The three statues from Nepal present
the teacher in varied states of enlightened existence. One depicts him with the
gesture of turning the wheel of Dhamma, while the other two belonging to his
mature age, show him teaching the Dhamma, with the Vitarka Mudra and a book. Â
A Pantheon of Golden Enlightenment
The profound teachings of Buddhism have inspired countless works of art, and this exquisite set of three Tsongkhapa statues stands as a testament to that enduring legacy. Crafted from copper and lavishly gilded with pure gold, these figures radiate an unparalleled aura of spiritual power and serene wisdom. Each statue captures a different facet of the venerated 14th-century Tibetan Buddhist scholar and mystic, Je Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism.
The Master and His Teachings
Je Tsongkhapa, also known as Losang Drakpa, was a pivotal figure in Tibetan Buddhism. His comprehensive philosophical system and emphasis on monastic discipline revitalized the spiritual landscape of Tibet. Legends speak of his extraordinary intellect, his ability to master complex doctrines with ease, and his profound meditation practices. He is often depicted in iconography with a blue lotus, symbolizing his purity and wisdom, and sometimes with a sword, representing the cutting of ignorance. These statues, while not directly depicting these attributes, embody the very essence of his enlightened presence and the clarity of his teachings, which sought to illuminate the path to liberation for all sentient beings.
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Artistry and Divine Craftsmanship
The meticulous detail and the brilliant gleam of the gold gilding on these statues showcase the pinnacle of Nepalese artistry. The smooth, flowing lines of the robes, the delicate rendering of the facial features, and the serene expressions all speak of a deep reverence and understanding of Buddhist iconography. The seated posture on ornate lotus pedestals signifies purity, enlightenment, and the unfolding of spiritual awareness. The lotus, a symbol found across many Eastern traditions, rises from muddy waters yet remains pristine, a powerful metaphor for achieving spiritual purity amidst the challenges of worldly existence. The rich gold, a symbol of divinity, purity, and auspiciousness, enhances the sacred aura of these figures, making them truly captivating objects of devotion and contemplation.
These statues are more than mere representations; they are conduits of spiritual energy, designed to inspire mindfulness, compassion, and the pursuit of wisdom. Whether placed in a personal meditation space, a Buddhist temple, or as a significant artistic statement in a curated collection, this set of Tsongkhapa statues from Nepal offers a tangible connection to a rich spiritual heritage and a timeless quest for enlightenment. Their presence invites contemplation and evokes the profound wisdom that illuminated the path of one of Buddhism's most influential figures.
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.
