10" Maitreya Buddha Copper Figurine from Nepal
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MADE IN INDIA.

10" Maitreya Buddha Copper Figurine from Nepal

$885.75
$1181
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Only 1 available

According to Buddhist texts such as the Pali Canon and the Mahayana Sutras, Maitreya is predicted to manifest as a bodhisattva in the future, attain Buddhahood, and usher in a new period of enlightenment. As a Bodhisattva who embodies wisdom and compassion, the prophecy Matreya is said to attain Buddhahood and lead sentient beings toward liberation. The Sanskrit term "Maitreya '' means ‘loving-kindness' or ‘friend,’ signifying the bodhisattva's altruistic disposition.


In Buddhist teachings, Maitreya is said to be living in Tushita Heaven, waiting for the proper moment to come down to earth and turn the wheel of Dharma. Maitreya is frequently connected to Amitabha Buddha, the Buddha of Infinite Light, in Pure Land Buddhism. To quickly reach enlightenment, followers of the Pure Land path hope to be reborn in the Pure Land, a heavenly state ruled by Amitabha and Maitreya.

Specifications
MIV823
Copper with Silver Plated
Height: 10 inch
Width: 5.5 inch
Depth: 4.5 inch
Weight 1 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.

The Promise of Future Enlightenment

Invite the radiant presence of Maitreya Buddha into your sacred space with this exquisite 10-inch copper figurine, masterfully crafted in Nepal. Maitreya is the Bodhisattva of universal love, prophesied to be the future Buddha, descending to Earth to usher in a new era of enlightenment and peace for all sentient beings. His arrival is eagerly anticipated in Buddhist traditions, a beacon of hope for a world reborn in wisdom and compassion. This statue captures Maitreya in a moment of serene anticipation, his hands held in a gesture of teaching or welcome, poised to guide humanity towards a brighter future. ––––––––––––––––––

Artistry and Symbolism

The intricate details of this figurine speak to the profound spiritual artistry of Nepalese craftspeople. Cast from high-quality copper, the statue is adorned with lustrous silver plating, highlighting the delicate features and symbolic accouterments. The serene expression on Maitreya's face, with half-closed eyes, suggests a deep inner contemplation. He is depicted seated upon a lotus throne, a universal symbol of purity and spiritual awakening, rising above worldly attachments. Flanking him are ornate elements, possibly representing the celestial jewels or sacred objects he will bring when he descends. The decorative crown signifies his regal status as the future king of the world and the spiritual monarch of the Tushita heaven, where he resides until his earthly manifestation. The blue accents on his headdress add a touch of celestial vibrancy, hinting at his divine nature. ––––––––––––––––––

A Connection to Ancient Traditions

This figurine is more than just a beautiful object; it is a tangible link to ancient Buddhist traditions and the profound philosophical concepts they embody. Maitreya's lineage is traceable to early Buddhist texts, and his veneration has been a cornerstone of practice across various Mahayana schools. In Tibetan Buddhism, he is often depicted seated in the "Western posture" or the "royal ease" posture, ready to descend from Tushita heaven. This statue, with its refined craftsmanship, serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring teachings of compassion, the promise of ultimate liberation, and the cyclical nature of spiritual evolution. Owning this statue is an invitation to contemplate the future, to cultivate inner peace, and to strive for the enlightenment that Maitreya embodies. It is a piece that can inspire daily meditation and devotion, connecting the practitioner to the vast lineage of enlightened beings.

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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