11" Bhumisparsha Buddha Idol | Copper Statue from Nepal

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11" Bhumisparsha Buddha Idol | Copper Statue from Nepal

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$778.50

$1038

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

This copper statue from Nepal depicts an aspect of the Buddha known as "Bhumi-sparsha," or the earth-touching Buddha. It is serene, unmoving, and breathtaking to see. Buddhism's legends tell the story of this gesture: Mara, the demon of desire, asked Buddha if he could truly claim enlightenment. In response, Buddha asked the ever-present earth to serve as his witness. The statue depicts the moment when the Buddha reaches out to touch the ground.

The statue portrays his distinctive characteristics, which include the urna (forehead mark), cranial bulge, lengthened earlobes, meditation eyes, and flesh folds on the neck. Buddha is clothed in a beautifully designed robe, covered in stylized vegetation that represents the advent of wisdom and life.

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Specifications

	WSA047
	Copper
	Height: 11 inch
	Width: 5 inch
	Depth: 8 inch
	Weight 3.84 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 12 days
	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

The Earth Witness Gesture

This exquisite copper idol captures the pivotal moment of the Bhumisparsha Mudra, the Earth Touching Gesture. It represents the very instant Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment and became the Buddha, the Awakened One. Legend has it that as Siddhartha meditated under the Bodhi tree, the demon Mara attempted to disrupt his path by conjuring illusions and temptations. Siddhartha, unmoved, extended his right hand to touch the Earth, calling upon Mother Earth to bear witness to his unwavering resolve and profound realization. The Earth herself responded, confirming his enlightenment. This powerful mudra symbolizes strength, steadfastness, and the ultimate victory of wisdom over ignorance.

A Masterpiece of Nepalese Craftsmanship

Hailing from Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual heritage and artistic tradition, this statue is a testament to the skill and devotion of its creators. The use of copper, a metal revered for its purity and conductivity, lends a warm, resonant beauty to the idol. The artist has masterfully rendered the serene countenance of the Buddha, with his eyes downcast in deep contemplation and a subtle, enigmatic smile gracing his lips. The intricate detailing of his robes, adorned with fine, etched patterns, adds a layer of richness and visual interest. The juxtaposition of the warm copper of the Buddha’s skin and the cooler, ornamental metal of his monastic attire creates a striking contrast, highlighting the divine and earthly aspects of his being.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

The Bhumisparsha Buddha is a potent symbol of overcoming obstacles and achieving spiritual liberation. It serves as a constant reminder that inner peace and enlightenment are attainable through diligent practice and unwavering determination. The posture, with the legs crossed in meditation and the right hand extended towards the ground, signifies a profound connection to the fundamental truths of existence and the grounding power of Mother Earth. This idol is not merely a decorative object; it is a conduit for spiritual energy, designed to inspire meditation, foster mindfulness, and bring a sense of tranquility and wisdom into any space it graces. It is an invitation to connect with the profound teachings of the Buddha and to embark on one's own journey towards awakening.

An Enduring Legacy

This copper statue, with its timeless beauty and profound symbolism, is more than an artifact; it is a piece of living history and a tangible connection to a spiritual lineage that has shaped the lives of millions. Whether placed in a personal meditation space, a dedicated altar, or as a focal point in a living area, it is sure to evoke a sense of peace, contemplation, and reverence. The enduring nature of copper ensures that this sacred representation will be cherished for generations, continuing to inspire and guide all who behold it.

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.