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10'' Buddhist Deity Crowned Buddha Gilded Copper Idol on Royal Throne

$1950
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In the heavenly realms, emitting a glorious aura of enlightenment stays Buddha in his Sambhogakaya, or the body of bliss, which is often envisioned in Buddhist art as a Crowned Buddha statue, like the one you see here. Sculpted in copper and layered with pure gold, the divine body of Buddha as Chakravartin (Lord of all the Realms) is seated on a Vishwapadmasana (double-layered lotus platform) embellished with a Vajra motif on the base, with the Stupa motif on the aureole around him and a Chattra (royal umbrella) adorning the icon.

Wearing monks' garbs, Buddha is ornamented with a Nepalese-style crown and a jeweled necklace which are attributes of the royals, while in his hand is the alms bowl. By juxtaposing the symbols of worldly abundance and life-long asceticism in the presence of Buddha, this Crowned Buddha statue reminds us of the powers of enlightenment, which places Tathagata above the riches of material and spiritual value.
Specifications
MIW479
Copper Gilded With Gold
Height: 10 inch
Width: 7 inch
Depth: 4.5 inch
Weight 1.25 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 6 days
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.

A Gilded Manifestation of Enlightenment

This exquisite gilded copper idol captures the serene majesty of a crowned Buddha, seated upon a regal throne. The warm, lustrous finish of gold leaf imparts a celestial aura to the intricately sculpted form, suggesting the divine radiance of the awakened one. The Buddha is depicted in a meditative posture, radiating an aura of profound peace and spiritual authority. The elaborate crown adorning his head signifies his royal lineage as Prince Siddhartha, before his renunciation and eventual enlightenment. This iconography of the crowned Buddha is particularly prevalent in Tibetan Buddhism, representing Buddha Shakyamuni in his earthly manifestation, emphasizing his role as a guide for all sentient beings. The detailed craftsmanship extends to the throne, which is designed with regal embellishments, hinting at the earthly kingdom from which the Buddha emerged. The lotus base, a potent symbol in Buddhist art representing purity and spiritual awakening rising above worldly attachments, supports the entire composition. Behind the Buddha, a circular aureole, or prabhamandala, is meticulously carved with swirling, decorative motifs. These patterns are often interpreted as symbolic representations of the light of wisdom emanating from the Buddha, dispelling the darkness of ignorance and illusion. The dynamism within these ornamental swirls can also evoke the cosmic energies that are harnessed and transmuted through spiritual practice. The presence of a vajra, or double dorje, etched onto the base adds another layer of symbolic meaning. The vajra is a powerful Buddhist symbol representing indestructibility, spiritual power, and the ultimate reality that is beyond all form and duality. It signifies the unshakeable nature of the enlightened mind and the efficacy of the Dharma in overcoming obstacles. This masterpiece is more than just a statue; it is a visual narrative of the Buddha's journey, from his princely status to his attainment of supreme enlightenment. It invites contemplation on the path to liberation, the nature of consciousness, and the transformative power of spiritual wisdom. The gilded copper, a material often associated with divinity and purity in many cultures, enhances the sacredness of this representation. Its presence can serve as a focal point for meditation and a reminder of the potential for awakening that resides within all beings, echoing the ancient tales of bodhisattvas and enlightened masters who have guided humanity towards a brighter future. ––––––––––––––––––

A Testament to Artisanal Skill

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this idol showcases the superior artistry of Nepalese metalwork traditions. The casting process, likely using the lost-wax method, allows for the capture of the finest nuances in the sculpted form, from the delicate lines of the Buddha's robes to the intricate details of the crown and aureole. The application of gold leaf, a time-honored technique, imbues the copper with a rich, enduring luster, ensuring that this sacred object will continue to inspire for generations to come. The slight patina that may develop over time only adds to its character and authenticity, whispering tales of devotion and spiritual practice.

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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