12" Copper Vajradhara Sculpture | Buddhist Deity Statue from Nepal

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12" Copper Vajradhara Sculpture | Buddhist Deity Statue from Nepal

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$1176.75

$1569

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Buddhā Vajradhara, according to the Kagyu lineage, is regarded as the primordial Buddha, the Dharmakaya Buddha. Symbolizing the essence of the historical Buddha's realization of enlightenment. He is often seen as too exalted and deeply immersed in divine serenity to directly assist human endeavors. Instead, it is believed that he works through the deity Vajrasattva, serving as a Dhyani-Buddha to his human Buddha counterpart.

In artistic representations, Buddhā Vajradhara is always depicted in a seated posture with his legs crossed and the soles of his feet visible. He adorns a Bodhisattva crown along with attire and ornaments resembling those of an Indian prince. He bears the urna (a mark on the forehead) and ushnisha (a cranial protuberance symbolizing enlightenment). His arms are crossed over his chest in the vajra-hum-kdra mudra, with one hand holding the vajra (thunderbolt).

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Specifications

	MIS615
	Copper
	Height: 12 inch
	Width: 9 inch
	Depth: 5 inch
	Weight 3 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Ships in 1-3 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.

Embodiment of Primordial Enlightenment

This exquisite copper sculpture depicts Vajradhara, a central figure in Mahayana Buddhism, particularly revered in Tibetan Buddhism. Vajradhara is the primordial Buddha, the original source of all teachings and the embodiment of enlightenment itself. Unlike Buddhas who attained enlightenment in a specific lifetime, Vajradhara is considered eternal and transcendent, representing the ultimate reality and the awakened mind from which all other Buddhas emanate. In iconography, he is often depicted in a posture of meditation, holding a vajra (a ritual thunderbolt and diamond scepter) in his right hand and a bell in his left, symbolizing the union of wisdom and compassion. This powerful representation signifies the indestructible nature of enlightenment. ––––––––––

Artistry from the Himalayas

Crafted in Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual traditions and renowned for its masterful metalwork, this statue embodies the skill and devotion of Himalayan artisans. The copper medium lends a timeless warmth and gravitas to the sculpture, its rich patina hinting at the centuries of artistic heritage it represents. Every detail, from the intricate ornamentation of the crown and flowing robes to the serene expression on Vajradhara's face, speaks of meticulous craftsmanship and a profound understanding of Buddhist iconography. The figure is seated in a meditative pose upon a lotus pedestal, the quintessential symbol of purity and spiritual unfolding, further enhancing the sacred aura of the piece. ––––––––––

A Gateway to Profound Wisdom

Vajradhara is not merely a deity to be worshipped but a profound representation of the potential for awakening that resides within every being. His presence signifies the ultimate lineage of Buddhist teachings, tracing back to the very source of the Dharma. Meditating with or contemplating this image can serve as a catalyst for spiritual growth, encouraging the practitioner to cultivate wisdom, compassion, and the realization of their own inherent Buddha-nature. The serene countenance invites introspection, while the symbolic attributes remind us of the path to liberation from suffering. This sculpture is more than an object of art; it is a sacred conduit to the profound wisdom and boundless compassion of the awakened mind.

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.