Vajradhara in Vajrahumkara-mudra

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Name: Vajradhara in Vajrahumkara-mudra
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: RH90
Price: 360.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$450

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Specifications

	RH90
	Copper Sculpture Gilded with 24 Karat Gold
	Height: 8 inch
	Width: 5 inch
	Depth: 3 inch
	Weight 1.12 kg

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100% Handmade

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MADE IN INDIA.

The Primordial Buddha

Vajradhara, often depicted as a celestial blue Buddha in Tibetan Buddhist iconography, represents the Dharmakaya, the embodiment of enlightenment. Vajradhara is considered the primordial Buddha, the source from which all other Buddhas and deities emanate. He is the essence of the Dharma, the ultimate truth and reality. He embodies the enlightened mind, free from all limitations and attachments. His tranquil and serene expression reflects the inner peace and profound wisdom that characterizes enlightenment. Vajradhara is the embodiment of all the Buddhas and embodies ultimate reality. He is not subject to the limitations of time, space, or form. He is pure, radiant awareness, the unconditioned ground of being.

The Vajrahumkara-mudra Gesture

The mudra, or hand gesture, in which Vajradhara is depicted is of significant importance. Here, he is shown in Vajrahumkara-mudra. This mudra signifies the union of wisdom and compassion, and the indivisible nature of emptiness and form. In this gesture, the hands are crossed at the wrists in front of the chest, each holding a *vajra* (thunderbolt scepter) and *ghanta* (bell), which represents the male and female principles in tantric Buddhism, which symbolize the union of skillful means and wisdom, leading to enlightenment. The mudra represents the unified state of absolute wisdom and compassion. Through the skillful execution of this mudra, Vajradhara reveals the profound unity of seemingly opposing forces, demonstrating that true liberation lies in the integration of all aspects of reality.

Craftsmanship and Materials

This statue is a masterpiece crafted in Nepal, the place of Buddha's birth, using traditional methods that have been passed down through generations of artisans. The statue is fashioned from copper, a metal often used in sacred art for its durability and malleability. The copper is then meticulously gilded with 24-karat gold, enhancing the statue's luminosity and bestowing a sense of divine radiance. The gold adds a layer of richness and splendor, transforming the statue into an object of reverence and beauty. The dimensions of the statue, at 8.0 x 5.0 x 3.0 inches, make it suitable for display in a variety of settings, from personal shrines to meditation spaces. The intricate details and fine craftsmanship make this a truly special piece. As you gaze upon this statue, remember that it is not just a beautiful object, but also a reminder of the potential for enlightenment that lies within each of us.

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.