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Vajradakini

$389.25
$519
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
RV26
Copper Sculpture Gilded with 24 Karat Gold
Height: 7.7 inch
Width: 5.2 inch
Depth: 2.4 inch
Weight 1 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.

The Fiery Embrace of Wisdom

Crafted from copper and meticulously gilded with 24-karat gold, this exquisite sculpture embodies the powerful Vajradakini. Her dynamic posture, caught mid-dance, exudes energy and transformative potential. Measuring 7.7 x 5.2 x 2.4 inches, this piece will imbue your space with the spirit of profound wisdom and fearless insight. Notice the rich detailing in the statue's expression, garments, and adornments, revealing the artisanship imbued in this creation.

Dakinis: Messengers of Enlightenment

Dakinis, often translated as "sky dancers" or "sky goers," are revered figures in Tibetan Buddhism. They represent the embodiment of wisdom, insight, and the feminine principle. Dakinis are not merely deities but powerful forces that can aid practitioners on their path to enlightenment. They are often seen as messengers, guiding seekers through challenges and offering glimpses of the ultimate truth. Dakinis are seen to be dynamic beings with immense power that appears in various tantric traditions. In Tibetan Buddhist iconography, dakinis are frequently depicted in energetic and expressive poses, often surrounded by flames, symbolizing the fiery nature of wisdom and the burning away of ignorance. This statue perfectly captures that essence, with the flames framing the figure’s body and igniting the space with its presence.

A Conduit to Inner Transformation

The fierce yet compassionate expression on her face invites contemplation and introspection. The intricate detailing in her garments, jewelry, and the sacred objects she holds, are a testament to the artisan's skill and devotion. The statue serves as a visual reminder of the potential for inner transformation that exists within each of us. It's a beautiful reminder of the path to liberation and the power of wisdom. This piece would be a treasured addition to any altar, meditation space, or collection of sacred art. It is sure to be a profound reminder of the potential for enlightenment and the transformative power of wisdom.

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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