Shakyamuni
Buddha's image embodies the essence of a revered spiritual guide and teacher
originating from the northern South Asian realm. Born as a prince in
Kapilvastu, he relinquished his princely privileges and opulent palace,
embarking on a transformative journey of meditation to unravel life's profound
meaning. Through years of dedicated meditation, he achieved enlightenment, laying
the cornerstone for what we recognize as Buddhism today.
He stands as the
quintessential figure within Buddhism, his name synonymous with the enlightened
one. Gautam Buddha's statues, often termed Buddharupa, capture him in
various forms: seated in meditation, adorned with distinct hand gestures or
mudras; standing or walking; or reclining on his side. Each pose signifies
different stages of his life and teachings, encapsulating his legacy and
guiding principles.
The Embodiment of Enlightenment
This exquisite statue depicts Lord Shakyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, in a pose of profound meditation. Crafted from copper with accents of gold, this piece emanates a serene and powerful aura, making it a captivating centerpiece for any spiritual or decorative setting. The craftsmanship is evident in every detail, from the delicate curl of the hair to the tranquil expression on the Buddha's face.
––––––––––A Legacy of Wisdom and Compassion
Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Buddha, renounced his princely life in ancient India to seek enlightenment and alleviate the suffering of all beings. His teachings, known as the Dharma, have guided millions for centuries, emphasizing mindfulness, compassion, and the path to liberation from the cycle of rebirth. This statue captures the very essence of his enlightenment, the moment he attained Nirvana under the Bodhi tree. The urna, a spiral tuft of hair on his forehead, symbolizes his clairvoyant gaze, and the ushnisha, a cranial protuberance, signifies his profound wisdom.
––––––––––Artistry from the Himalayas
Hailing from Nepal, a land steeped in Buddhist tradition and artistry, this statue is a testament to the skill and devotion of its creators. The use of copper provides a robust and enduring base, while the application of gold infuses the piece with a celestial glow, reflecting the divine nature of the subject. The intricate patterns adorning the robe and the base are reminiscent of traditional Himalayan art, where symbolism and aesthetics are deeply intertwined. The lotus pedestal, a recurring motif in Buddhist art, represents purity and spiritual awakening, as the lotus flower rises unstained from muddy waters.
––––––––––A Focal Point for Meditation and Reflection
This statue is more than just a beautiful object; it is an invitation to stillness and introspection. The posture, known as the vajra posture or lotus position, is a classic meditative stance that promotes stability and inner peace. The gentle curve of the hands, one holding a begging bowl which symbolizes the renunciation of worldly desires and the acceptance of all offerings, further enhances the contemplative mood. Placing this statue in your home or meditation space can serve as a constant reminder of the Buddha's teachings and a source of inspiration for cultivating peace and mindfulness in your own life. The striking contrast between the burnished copper and the luminous gold creates a dynamic visual appeal, drawing the eye and inviting prolonged contemplation. This piece is a bridge to ancient traditions, a symbol of profound wisdom, and a testament to the enduring power of spiritual 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.
