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The Wrathful Tibetan Buddhist Heruka Vajarkila or Vajrakumara (Made in Nepal)

$1375
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
ZEM703
Copper Sculpture gilded with 24 Karat Gold
Height: 11 inch
Width: 4 inch
Depth: 7 inch
Weight 2.10 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
Free Delivery
Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

Embodiment of Fierce Compassion and Eradication of Obstacles

This magnificent copper sculpture, meticulously gilded with 24 karat gold, captures the awe-inspiring presence of a wrathful deity from Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Representing the Heruka Vajarkila, also known as Vajrakumara, this deity embodies the ultimate power to overcome obstacles, dispel negativity, and liberate sentient beings from the cycle of suffering. Crafted in Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual heritage, this artwork is not merely a decorative piece but a profound symbol of spiritual aspiration and protection. The intricate details of this sculpture speak volumes about the complex symbolism within Vajrayana Buddhism. The deity’s multiple faces, often three in this iconography, symbolize the overcoming of ignorance, attachment, and aversion. The ferocious expression, with bared fangs and fiery red visage, is not an indication of anger, but rather a manifestation of profound compassion that seeks to rapidly and decisively cut through delusion and suffering. The third eye, present on the central and flanking faces, represents supreme wisdom, capable of perceiving ultimate reality beyond illusion. ––––––––––

Symbolism of Power and Wisdom

The numerous arms of the deity are adorned with various ritual implements, each carrying specific spiritual significance. These weapons, such as the vajra (a ritual thunderbolt symbolizing indestructibility) and the kila (a ritual peg or nail used to subdue demons), represent the manifold methods by which the enlightened mind can dismantle hindrances to spiritual progress. The vajra itself, an ancient symbol found in both Buddhist and Hindu traditions, signifies the unstoppable force of wisdom and the diamond-like nature of enlightenment that can penetrate all illusions. The kila, in the context of Vajarkila, specifically denotes the power to pin down and eliminate negative forces and habitual patterns that impede liberation. The flames emanating from the deity are known as the wisdom fire, which purifies negativities and burns away all obscurations. ––––––––––

A Testament to Craftsmanship and Devotion

The rich patina of the copper base, contrasted with the radiant gleam of the 24 karat gold gilding, creates a visually striking piece that commands attention. The detailed rendering of the base, often depicting subjugated beings or symbolic offerings, further underscores the deity's power over all hindrances. The presence of a prostrate figure beneath the deity’s feet is a common motif, symbolizing the complete subjugation of negativities, ego, and worldly attachments, thereby clearing the path for spiritual realization. This sculpture is a testament to the enduring skill of Nepalese artisans and the deep devotional practices that inspire such powerful representations of enlightened energy. It serves as a potent reminder of the inherent capacity within all beings to achieve liberation through wisdom and unwavering determination.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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