The Vigilance of Compassion

Email

Whatsapp

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Copy link

Name: The Vigilance of Compassion
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: RI04
Price: 505.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$581

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Notify me when this item is available

Specifications

	RI04
	Copper Sculpture Gilded with 24 Karat Gold
	Height: 13 inch
	Width: 8 inch
	Depth: 5.5 inch
	Weight 3.11 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Glimpse of Enlightenment

Behold a radiant depiction of enlightened compassion, meticulously crafted from copper and lavishly adorned with 24 karat gold. This statue captures the serene essence of a revered figure, embodying wisdom and boundless empathy. The intricate detailing and luminous finish create a visual symphony, drawing the eye and captivating the soul. Every curve, every gesture, speaks of inner peace and the profound journey towards enlightenment.

The Bodhisattva Ideal

This sculpture is not merely an artistic representation; it's a reminder of the Bodhisattva ideal. Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings who, out of compassion, postpone their own final liberation to help all sentient beings achieve enlightenment. They embody the virtues of generosity, ethical conduct, patience, diligence, concentration, and wisdom. In essence, they are the ultimate embodiment of selflessness, dedicating their existence to the well-being of others. The iconography, from the serene facial expression to the graceful hand gestures, reflects this profound commitment. The elaborate crown symbolizes the pinnacle of spiritual attainment, while the flowing robes and intricate jewelry suggest the beauty and richness of the enlightened state.

Craftsmanship and Symbolism

The statue's creation is a testament to the skill of artisans dedicated to preserving ancient traditions. The copper base provides a sturdy foundation, while the 24 karat gold gilding imparts a sense of unparalleled luxury and spiritual significance. Gold, revered across cultures for its enduring beauty and association with divinity, enhances the sculpture's aesthetic appeal and symbolic value. The hand gestures, or mudras, further deepen the piece's significance. One hand typically rests in the lap in meditation mudra, the other is raised in a gesture of reassurance, the abhaya mudra dispelling fear. Sitting atop a double lotus pedestal, which symbolizes purity and spiritual awakening, this statue radiates a calming presence. Placing such a piece in your home or meditation space can serve as a constant reminder of compassion, wisdom, and the path to enlightenment. The dimensions—13.0 x 8.0 x 5.5 inches—ensure it commands attention without overwhelming its surroundings, making it a perfect addition to any sacred space or art collection.

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.