Vajrasattva Statue: Nepalese Copper Sculpture of Buddhist Deity

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Name: Vajrasattva Statue: Nepalese Copper Sculpture of Buddhist Deity
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: CAA154
Price: 2020.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$2323

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	CAA154
	Copper With Gold
	Height: 19 inch
	Width: 11.5 inch
	Depth: 7 inch
	Weight 7.60 kg

About the Item

Depicts Vajrasattva, the primordial Buddha and embodiment of purity in Vajrayana Buddhism.
Crafted from lustrous copper with a rich gold patina, showcasing intricate Nepalese artistry.
Seated in a serene vajrasana (lotus) posture, symbolizing profound meditation.
Adorned with a detailed crown and jewelry, representing spiritual authority.
Ideal for meditation rooms, altars, or as a significant piece of Buddhist decor.
Symbolically invoked for purifying negative karma and overcoming spiritual obstacles.

Delivery and Return Policies

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	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
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Fully Insured

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100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

Vajrasattva stands as a quintessential archetype deity within tantric Buddhism. Much like fellow celestial Bodhisattvas Manjushri, Avalokitesvara, and Tara, Vajrasattva embodies the essence of Buddha while embracing a Bodhisattva form to guide beings along their spiritual journey. "Sattva" signifies the heroic and virtuous nature, while "vajra" embodies the attributes of a diamond or thunderbolt, representing power and masculinity.

In his representation, he sits in the dhyanasana, his right hand clasping a vajra close to his heart, while his left hand, resting on his left thigh, holds a bell. These symbols encapsulate diverse meanings, ranging from compassion to wisdom, male to female, and magic body to clear light, depending on the level of symbolism being considered.

The Primordial Buddha

This magnificent statue depicts Vajrasattva, a central figure in Vajrayana Buddhism, revered as the primordial Buddha. Often considered an embodiment of purity, enlightenment, and the Vajra (diamond) nature of reality, Vajrasattva is a focal point for meditation and ritual. In Buddhist cosmology, he represents the essence of all Buddhas and is invoked to purify negative karma and overcome obstacles on the spiritual path. Tales abound of his compassionate response to devotees, offering solace and guidance towards liberation. He is said to have emerged from the light of the Buddhas, symbolizing the inherent Buddha-nature within all sentient beings.

Artistry and Symbolism

Crafted from lustrous copper and finished with a rich gold patina, this sculpture is a testament to the intricate artistry of Nepalese artisans. The seated posture, known as vajrasana or lotus position, signifies the serene contemplation and profound meditation practiced by enlightened beings. Vajrasattva is adorned with a resplendent crown and exquisite jewelry, symbolizing his supreme spiritual authority and the celestial adornments of Buddhahood. The detailed rendering of his robes, accented with delicate patterns, speaks to the meticulous attention to detail and the spiritual significance imbued in every element of the sculpture. He holds the vajra scepter in his right hand, representing indestructible wisdom, and the bell in his left, symbolizing the wisdom that understands emptiness. These potent symbols are crucial in understanding the profound teachings of Vajrayana Buddhism.

A Sacred Presence

This statue, standing at an impressive height, is designed to be a powerful spiritual focal point for any sacred space. Its commanding presence and radiant finish are intended to inspire devotion and aid practitioners in their journey towards enlightenment. The figure's serene expression and gentle demeanor evoke a sense of peace and spiritual tranquility. Whether placed in a meditation room, altar, or as a statement piece in a collection, this Vajrasattva statue offers a tangible connection to the profound wisdom and compassionate energy of this important Buddhist deity. It is more than just an object; it is a conduit for spiritual aspiration and a reminder of the inherent purity that lies within us all.

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.