An exemplary
artwork from Nepal infused with the beauty of copper sculpting and turquoise
stone embellishment, this statue of Aparmita is revered for the positive impact she
brings to her devotees' lives. Aparmita is also known as Amitayus and the deity
of long life. Amitayus is seated gracefully in the padmasana on a lotus
pedestal with his right leg on the top of his left. He is depicted in
life-affirming waters from the pot and heavenliness in Aparmita’s eyes brings
an awe-inspiring richness to this Nepalese statue.
A Vision of Eternal Life: The Aparmita Statue
This exquisite copper statue from Nepal embodies the divine presence of Aparmita, also known as Amitayus, the Buddha of Infinite Life. Crafted with meticulous detail and finished with a rich gleam of gold, this deity offers a powerful representation of longevity, wisdom, and boundless compassion. The artistry of Nepalese tradition is evident in every curve and embellishment, making this a truly captivating piece for any sacred space or collection.
Symbolism and Divine Attributes
Aparmita is a manifestation of Amitabha, the Buddha of the Western Paradise, and is revered as the embodiment of eternal life. He is often depicted seated in the meditative lotus posture, symbolizing the attainment of enlightenment and inner peace. In his hands, he typically holds a vase filled with the nectar of immortality, representing the elixir that grants freedom from the cycle of birth and death. This iconography signifies the promise of liberation and the attainment of pure, unending existence. The serene expression and compassionate gaze of this statue invite contemplation on the ephemeral nature of life and the quest for spiritual transcendence.
Artistic Craftsmanship from the Himalayas
Hailing from Nepal, a land steeped in Buddhist heritage and renowned for its skilled artisans, this statue is a testament to centuries of artistic tradition. The use of copper, a sacred metal in many Eastern cultures, lends a profound sense of weight and authenticity to the piece. The subsequent application of gold not only enhances its visual splendor but also imbues it with a divine aura, reflecting the spiritual significance of the deity. The intricate detailing on the crown, the flowing robes, and the delicate ornamentation all speak to the high level of craftsmanship employed in its creation. The base itself is adorned with classical motifs, providing a sturdy and ornate foundation for this sacred figure.
A Beacon of Hope and Serenity
The presence of Aparmita is believed to bestow blessings of long life, good health, and freedom from the fear of death. Devotees turn to Aparmita for solace and strength, seeking to overcome obstacles and to cultivate a deeper understanding of the impermanence of all things. This statue serves as a tangible reminder of these spiritual aspirations, offering a focal point for meditation and prayer. Its commanding yet gentle presence can bring a sense of tranquility and spiritual upliftment to any environment. Whether displayed in a home altar, meditation room, or as a statement piece in a living space, this Aparmita statue is a profound symbol of enduring peace and eternal well-being.
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.
