Vajrasattva with Bell and Dorje

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Name: Vajrasattva with Bell and Dorje
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: RI64
Price: 240.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$276

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	RI64
	Copper Sculpture Gilded with 24 Karat Gold
	Height: 9 inch
	Width: 6.6 inch
	Depth: 3.3 inch
	Weight 1.30 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	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.

Visualizing Enlightenment: The Essence of Vajrasattva

Behold, a magnificent representation of Vajrasattva, the embodiment of purity and the powerful practice of purification in Tibetan Buddhism. This stunning copper sculpture, meticulously gilded with 24 Karat gold, captures the serene grace and potent energy of this important figure. The statue, measuring 9.0 x 6.6 x 3.3 inches, presents Vajrasattva in a traditional seated posture atop a lotus throne, a symbol of purity and spiritual awakening rising above the mud of samsara. Every curve and contour of this exquisite statue resonates with symbolism. The gilding, applied with expert craftsmanship, reflects light and illuminates the space around it, creating a radiant aura that underscores Vajrasattva’s transcendent nature. Notice the intricate detailing in the deity's ornaments, his crown, necklaces, armbands, and bracelets, which are not merely decorative but represent the perfected qualities of a Buddha. These adornments, rendered with exceptional skill, highlight the richness and complexity of Buddhist iconography.

The Significance of Bell and Dorje

In his hands, Vajrasattva holds the bell and dorje (vajra), two objects of profound symbolic importance. The bell, held in his left hand, represents wisdom and emptiness. Its sound is believed to dispel ignorance and awaken one to the true nature of reality. The dorje, held in his right hand, symbolizes skillful means and compassion. It represents the indestructible nature of enlightenment and the power to cut through delusion. Together, the bell and dorje embody the union of wisdom and compassion, the essence of Buddhist practice. The practice of Vajrasattva is central to purifying negative karma and mental obscurations, accumulated through past actions and thoughts. By visualizing Vajrasattva and reciting his mantra, practitioners invoke the power of purification, clearing the path towards enlightenment. This meticulously crafted statue serves as a powerful reminder of this transformative potential and invites reflection on one's own journey towards inner peace and liberation.

A Timeless Treasure

This sculpture is not just a decorative piece, it's a portal to a deeper understanding of Buddhist philosophy and practice. Its presence in your home or meditation space will serve as a constant source of inspiration, reminding you of the potential for purification and the boundless compassion that lies within. Displaying this beautiful artwork is a way to honor the rich cultural heritage of Tibetan Buddhism, and to connect with the timeless wisdom it offers. It is a valuable addition to any collection of sacred art.

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.