Vajravarahi: The Female Buddha

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Name: Vajravarahi: The Female Buddha
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: XB15
Price: 440.00 USD
Availability: InStock

₩534,286

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Specifications

	XB15
	Copper Sculpture
	Height: 7.5 inch
	Width: 5.2 inch
	Depth: 2.6 inch
	Weight 1.06 kg

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Fully Insured

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100% Handmade

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MADE IN INDIA.

Wrathful Grace Embodied

Behold a stunning representation of the Vajrayana Buddhist deity, a figure of profound power and transformative energy. Crafted meticulously from copper, this sculpture captures the essence of the feminine Buddha, a fierce protector and guide on the path to enlightenment. The dynamic pose, the intricate details of the adornments, and the surrounding flames create a captivating image that speaks of both wrath and compassion, qualities often intertwined in the Tantric Buddhist tradition. Her expression, while intense, hints at the deep wisdom and unwavering dedication that define her role.

The Dakini of Transmutation

Vajravarahi, often depicted with a sow's head protruding from her own (though not present in this particular manifestation), is a vital figure in Tibetan Buddhism. The sow's head represents the taming of ignorance, the root of suffering, symbolizing her mastery over the unenlightened mind. She is a Dakini, a female embodiment of enlightened energy, and is known for her ability to transmute negative emotions and obstacles into wisdom and liberation. Practitioners invoke her to overcome challenges, gain insight, and accelerate their spiritual journey. Stories are told of her fierce battles against demons and her unwavering commitment to helping all beings find freedom from suffering.

Artisan Craftsmanship and Spiritual Significance

This copper sculpture embodies the rich artistic heritage of the Himalayan region. The skill of the artisan is evident in every curve and contour, from the delicate features of her face to the powerful stance and dynamic backdrop. The use of copper as the medium imbues the statue with a sense of warmth and solidity, befitting its sacred nature. The flames surrounding her are not merely decorative; they represent the transformative fire of wisdom that burns away illusion and ignorance. The figure beneath her feet often symbolizes the subjugation of ego or negative forces. Displaying this piece in your home or meditation space can serve as a constant reminder of the potential for transformation and the power of compassion to overcome all obstacles.

A Legacy of Wisdom and Protection

Invoking Vajravarahi is a practice deeply rooted in the belief that the feminine principle is essential for enlightenment. This statue serves as a tangible representation of that principle, a reminder that wisdom and compassion are not separate but interconnected aspects of the path. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner of Vajrayana Buddhism or simply drawn to the beauty and power of this image, it is sure to be a cherished addition to any collection, inspiring reflection and inner peace. Her dimensions, carefully considered, allows for both display and contemplation in a variety of settings.

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.