Buddha in Varada Mudra (Boon-Granting Gesture)

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Specifications

	RV27
	Copper Sculpture Gilded with 24 Karat Gold
	Height: 8 inch
	Width: 5.5 inch
	Depth: 3.5 inch
	Weight 1.14 kg

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MADE IN INDIA.

The Auspicious Gift

This meticulously crafted sculpture, originating from Nepal, depicts the Buddha in a posture that embodies generosity and compassion. The piece is a testament to the enduring artistic traditions of the Kathmandu Valley, where generations of skilled artisans have poured their devotion into creating sacred images. The use of copper, carefully gilded with 24-karat gold, gives this sculpture a radiant and lasting beauty. Each detail, from the serene expression to the intricate folds of the robe, has been rendered with the utmost care.

The Hand of Blessing

The central element of this sculpture is the hand positioned in the Varada Mudra, also known as the boon-granting gesture. In this mudra, the palm of the hand is open and facing outward, symbolizing generosity, compassion, and the granting of blessings. It is a gesture frequently depicted in Buddhist art and is associated with deities and figures who offer solace and assistance to those in need. The Varada Mudra, therefore, represents the Buddha's willingness to help all sentient beings on their path to enlightenment.

Symbolism and Significance

The seated posture of the Buddha, in itself, represents stability, mindfulness, and inner peace. The figure is seated on a base designed in the shape of a lotus. The lotus symbolizes purity, enlightenment, and spiritual awakening, arising as it does from muddy waters. The juxtaposition is a potent reminder that even in the midst of life’s challenges, one can still find serenity and enlightenment. The color of the robe represents renunciation and detachment from worldly desires, qualities essential for spiritual progress.

Nepalese Craftsmanship

This statue has its roots in the rich cultural heritage of Nepal. The Kathmandu Valley has been a cradle of Buddhist and Hindu artistic expression for centuries. The Newar people, the traditional inhabitants of the valley, are particularly renowned for their metalworking skills. This statue is a product of these deep-rooted traditions, and it reflects the meticulous attention to detail and the reverence for spiritual themes that characterize Nepalese art. The application of 24-karat gold gilding further enhances the sculpture's visual appeal and ensures its longevity. This type of traditional gilding process involves the meticulous application of thin sheets of gold leaf, a technique passed down through generations of artisans.

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.