The
11'' Deity Crowned Shakyamuni
statue, crafted from crystal and copper, pays homage to the revered Medicine
Buddha. Shakyamuni, known as the embodiment of healing and compassion, is
depicted in a meditative posture, exuding tranquility and wisdom. The crystal
material enhances the statue's radiance, while copper and gold plating adds a
touch of elegance. The presence of this statue in a home or sacred space can
bring about a sense of inner peace, physical well-being, and spiritual healing.
Through the significance of the Medicine Buddha, this artwork serves as a
reminder of the transformative power of compassion and the pursuit of
enlightenment.
A Crowned Radiance: The Medicine Buddha
This exquisite statue depicts Shakyamuni Buddha in his aspect as the Medicine Buddha, Bhaiṣajyaguru. The Buddha, the Awakened One, is often depicted in meditation, symbolizing inner peace and enlightenment. However, this particular representation showcases him adorned with regal jewels and a magnificent crown, signifying his enlightened mastery and his role as a celestial healer. In Buddhist cosmology, the Medicine Buddha is a savior figure, believed to have made twelve vows to heal all sentient beings of their sickness and suffering, both physical and mental. He is often depicted holding a bowl of medicinal nectar in his left hand and a medicinal plant in his right.Craftsmanship of Celestial Beauty
Rendered in a captivating blend of crystal and copper, this statue embodies the serene power and healing grace of the Medicine Buddha. The lustrous copper base and body are expertly sculpted, forming the traditional yogic posture of meditation, the Padmasana, a seated position of profound stability. The Buddha's face is serene, with downcast eyes conveying deep concentration and compassion. The delicate drape of his monastic robe is richly ornamented, with intricate patterns that speak of the sacredness of his teachings. The use of crystal, particularly evident in the inlaid jewels adorning the crown, neckline, and armbands, adds a luminous quality, reflecting light and enhancing the divine aura of the deity. The crown itself is a masterpiece, intricate and elaborate, studded with colorful gems that symbolize various virtues and aspects of enlightenment, much like the jeweled crowns worn by bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism who have attained a high level of spiritual realization.Symbolism and Spiritual Resonance
The Medicine Buddha, or Bhaiṣajyaguru, is a potent symbol of healing and well-being. His practice is central to many Buddhist traditions, invoked to overcome illness, anxiety, and the myriad afflictions of existence. Tales abound of his miraculous powers, such as the story of the Bodhisattva Dharmakara, who eventually became the Medicine Buddha, vowing to purify a world filled with suffering and establish a paradise where all beings would be free from sickness. This statue serves as a tangible reminder of these vows and the potential for healing that lies within the spiritual path. The serene posture and the abundance of decorative elements, including the precious stones, further amplify the presence of the divine, making this piece not just an object of art, but a focal point for meditation and a source of spiritual comfort and inspiration. It is a testament to the enduring power of faith and the profound pursuit of well-being, echoing the ancient traditions of Buddhist art and devotion.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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