Recognized
as the prime and eldest figure of Padmakula in the Buddhist tradition - Amitayu\Amitabha
Buddha is the purest embodiment of Pancupadanakkhandhā
and promises to guide those who seek his blessings in morbid moments. Seated on
a blooming Padma in Dhyana
Mudra, this Nepalese
copper sculpture of Amitabha Buddha carries the vass of immortality
representative of ultimate liberation.
Epitome of Infinite Light and Life
Behold this exquisite statue, a breathtaking representation of Amitayu, also known as Amitabha Buddha, the Buddha of Infinite Light and Infinite Life. Crafted from lustrous copper and adorned with a rich gold finish, this piece emanates an aura of serene grandeur. The intricate details, from the finely sculpted facial features to the elaborate crown and ornaments, speak to the masterful artistry of Nepalese craftspeople. This statue is not merely an object of beauty; it is a conduit to profound spiritual contemplation, inviting devotees and admirers alike to connect with the boundless wisdom and compassion embodied by Amitabha.
In Buddhist cosmology, Amitabha presides over the Pure Land of Sukhavati, a realm of ultimate bliss and enlightenment. It is said that by chanting his name and aspiring to rebirth in his land, one can achieve liberation from the cycle of suffering. Amitayu, his aspect associated with longevity, offers blessings of a long and healthy life, free from illness and impediments. This dual representation makes the statue a powerful symbol of both spiritual attainment and temporal well-being. The posture, with hands clasped in meditation and cradling a vase of nectar, further emphasizes his role as a dispenser of blessings and a source of eternal life. The tranquil gaze and serene smile convey an immeasurable sense of peace and benevolence, a silent promise of refuge and enlightenment.A Legacy of Devotion and Craftsmanship
This magnificent statue originates from Nepal, a land steeped in Buddhist tradition and renowned for its centuries-old heritage of religious art. The traditional methods employed in its creation ensure that each piece carries the authentic spirit and aesthetic of Nepalese iconography. The copper base provides a robust foundation, while the application of gold imbues the sculpture with a sacred glow, signifying purity and divinity. The delicate turquoise and green stone accents add vibrant touches, enhancing the visual richness and symbolic depth. The lotus base upon which the Buddha sits is a universal symbol of purity, enlightenment, and spiritual awakening, reinforcing the profound meaning of the deity.
The iconography of Amitabha is rich with symbolism. His red complexion represents the purifying fire of wisdom, burning away ignorance and delusion. The urna, the small dot between his eyebrows, signifies his all-seeing eye, capable of perceiving the entirety of existence. His long earlobes symbolize his ability to hear the cries of all sentient beings and offer them solace and liberation. This statue, with its meticulous attention to these sacred symbols, serves as a powerful focal point for meditation, prayer, and the cultivation of positive qualities. It is a testament to the enduring power of Buddhist philosophy and the enduring skill of artisans who have dedicated their lives to preserving these sacred traditions.A Sacred Presence for Your Sanctuary
Whether intended for a personal altar, a meditation space, or as a distinguished addition to a collection of sacred art, this Amitayu/Amitabha Buddha statue offers a tangible connection to the spiritual heart of Buddhism. Its impressive size and commanding presence make it a statement piece that will undoubtedly draw admiration and inspire contemplation. As you gaze upon this golden effigy, may you feel the presence of Infinite Light and Infinite Life, guiding you towards peace, wisdom, and ultimate liberation. It is an heirloom piece, imbued with spiritual significance and artistic excellence, ready to grace your home and enrich your spiritual journey.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.
