Amitayus,
embodying immeasurable life, holds the status of a Buddha while emanating a
serene deity presence rather than a monastic form. His appearance showcases the
thirty-two significant and eighty minor marks of perfection, characteristic of
a Buddha. Amitayus' core purpose is to foster longevity and well-being, making
him a member of the Three Long Life Deities.
Amitabha
Buddha embodies the timeless visage of a classic Buddha figure, draped in
monastic robes and adorned with the emblematic ushnisha atop the crown. In the
form of Amitayus, he radiates a tranquil male deity presence, his long hair
flowing gracefully. Adorned with exquisite ornaments and celestial attire, he holds the
posture of meditation, cradling a vessel of longevity between his palms,
bestowing blessings of enduring life.
The Lord of Infinite Light
This exquisite sculpture depicts Amitayus Buddha, also known as Amitabha Buddha, the transcendent Buddha of Infinite Light and Boundless Life. Revered in Mahayana Buddhism, Amitayus is the celestial Buddha of the Western Pure Land, Sukhavati. He is a central figure in Tantric Buddhism, where he is invoked for longevity, wisdom, and spiritual purification. In many traditions, meditating on Amitayus is believed to facilitate rebirth in his Pure Land, a realm of ultimate bliss and enlightenment, free from suffering. Tales tell of Amitayus making vows to save all beings, promising an inexhaustible supply of merit and compassion.A Masterpiece of Nepalese Craftsmanship
Crafted in Nepal, a land rich in Buddhist heritage, this statue embodies the meticulous artistry of Nepalese metalwork. The figure is sculpted from copper and enhanced with striking gold accents, imbuing it with a radiant aura. The intricate details showcase the master artisan's skill, from the serene, enlightened expression on the Buddha's face to the flowing robes and ornate crown. The use of contrasting metals—warm gold for the face and cool silver for the adornments and flowing drapery—creates a dynamic visual appeal.Symbolism and Devotion
Amitayus is often depicted in meditation posture, holding a vase of ambrosia, the nectar of immortality. While the vase is not explicitly visible in this representation, his hands are clasped in a gesture of meditation or dhyana mudra, signifying profound concentration and spiritual equanimity. His serene countenance, with half-closed eyes, suggests an inward gaze and deep meditative absorption. The elaborate crown and jewelry denote his status as a celestial Buddha, transcending earthly limitations. The precious stones adorning the crown and necklaces—vibrant red and serene blue—add a touch of regality and symbolize the multifaceted nature of enlightenment.A Sacred Icon for Your Sanctuary
This magnificent statue serves as a powerful focal point for any spiritual practice or meditation space. Its impressive size and commanding presence are sure to inspire contemplation and devotion. Whether placed in a home altar, a yoga studio, or a quiet corner for personal reflection, this Amitayus Buddha statue brings an essence of peace, longevity, and boundless compassion into your environment. It is a tangible connection to ancient wisdom and the path to ultimate liberation, a testament to the enduring beauty of Buddhist art.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.
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